A candidate for First Minister will ban smoking in city and town centres and outside cafes and restaurants, but not everyone is happy
Businesses may lose out if smoking areas are clamped down on – Tomasz Sienicki
The favourite to become the next Welsh First Minister has sparked furious debate by proposing a smoking ban in town and city centres.
The public responded poorly to Mark Drakeford AM’s manifesto, released on Monday 12 November. The manifesto, entitled ‘21st Century Socialism’, pledges to ban smoking in city and town centres, as well as outside restaurants and cafes.
The manifesto does not discuss the specifics of the proposal. Current uncertainties include how councils will distinguish restaurants and cafes from pubs and bars, and who will police the issue in city and town centres.
Despite the focus on public health, not everyone was happy with the proposal. Fellow AM Gareth Bennett of UKIP called the idea “draconian”, while the prospect is of particular concern to local businesses.
I’ve been speaking to @WalesPolitics about Mark Drakeford’s draconian proposals for an outdoor smoking ban. Tune in to @BBCWalesToday from 6.30pm to find out more. pic.twitter.com/BVFwAN4PKW
— Gareth Bennett AM (@GarethBennettAM) November 12, 2018
A spokesperson for Sully’s cafe, Cardiff, who wanted to remain unnamed took a similar view.
“It’s not right,” they said. “Out in the streets, that’s public space, no one owns it.”
The cafe has a successful outdoor seating area in which customers can smoke. “I also think I would lose business because of it,” the anonymous employee said.
Ten years on from the 2007 indoor smoking ban, however, the BBC recognised that public opinion (initially split) had become overwhelmingly positive in the intervening decade. Proponents hope public opinion will improve with time in this case too.
Carwyn Jones is to step down next month after nine years as First Minister – Wikimedia
Other environmental pledges in Mark’s manifesto include reversing global warming and installing water fountains across the country. He will also pursue sustainable food sources and look favourably on cannabis use.
Mark will also focus on the Wales coastal path. This will include a reward system for completion of the 870-mile path, as well as creating more routes for walkers.
Mark was unavailable for comment when approached by Alt.Cardiff. He will be speaking to Owen Jones in Swansea on 30 November. Tickets are available for £17.