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A landmark bill on public health that would introduce a ban on smoking in playgrounds, on hospital grounds and on school grounds is set to be introduced today.

The Public Health (Wales) Bill aims to improve the wellbeing of people in Wales, with a particular focus on promoting children and young people’s health.

It was unexpectedly defeated earlier this year amid controversy following a Minister’s “jokey” comment .

The bill, which will also create a compulsory licensing system for tattooists, had previously included a ban on e-cigarette use in some public places when Assembly Members voted on it in March.

Plaid Cymru voted against the bill in a last-minute move, meaning the Assembly was tied 26-26 and the legislation failed to pass.

The "cheap date" jibe that defeated the bill:

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It came after former Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews described a previous deal with the party as a “cheap date”. But now the bill is set to be voted on again in the Senedd without the “vaping” legislation.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Health Minister Rebecca Evans said: “Many of the measures included in the original Public Health Bill which was introduced in 2015 had strong public, stakeholder and cross-party support, which is why there was widespread disappointment when it wasn’t passed.

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“In re-introducing the bill, we are retaining those areas which were strengthened in the previous scrutiny process – such as measures to restrict smoking in school grounds, hospital grounds and public playgrounds.

“At the heart of the bill is the aim of promoting the health of children and young people.

“Proposals such as the ban on smoking in school grounds and playgrounds is intended to prevent children from being exposed to smoking behaviours, making it less likely that they’ll take up smoking themselves.”

The smoke free school gates initiative:

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The bill also focuses on improving people’s well-being by ensuring local authorities plan to meet the needs of their communities for accessing toilets.

“This will mean older people, people with disabilities, and people caring for young children aren’t put off leaving the house for fear of stress or embarrassment,” she said.

(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

It also requires public bodies in Wales to assess how their decisions will affect people’s physical and mental health and makes pharmacies more responsive to the needs of their community.

She added: “Overall, the health of the people of Wales is improving but we face challenges and we want to see the pace of improvement increased.

“I’m confident the Public Health Bill will help us achieve these aims.”

The bill is expected to be introduced to the National Assembly today and the Minister will make a Legislative Statement about the bill during Plenary in the Senedd tomorrow.