Councils unco-operative over Wales smoking ban

Planning authorities in Wales have been un-cooperative in helping pubs prepare for the smoking ban, licensees have told thepublican.com.

The legislation, which came into force on April 2, has been introduced three months ahead of the English ban, and licensees say they needed more time and guidance to prepare their outdoor smoking areas.

Patrick Davies, 27, licensee of the Queen¹s Vaults in Cardiff city centre, said he felt let down by the local authority.

"The council has been very un-co-operative,² he said.

"I phoned up and asked for advice on having bins fitted, but they gave me no guidance on what sort of bins. Nobody had the foresight to make a decision and stick to it."

Richard Graham, manager of the Great Western, also in Cardiff, said: "We were given sufficient warning (about the ban), but the council didn¹t set the legislation in stone until January, which was not far enough in advance.

"I sit on the Cardiff licensees' forum, and I have spoken to some who have suffered a real headache with planning delays.

"I think the authorities have been bogged down with applications."

Speaking at the launch of the ban at the National Assembly for Wales, First Minister Rhodri Morgan described it as "a historic day for Wales, and for the future health of the people".

He added: "This is the single most important public health measure that the assembly has introduced.

"Second-hand smoke in public places is estimated to cause 400 premature deaths a year. This is an unacceptable toll."