Every day in Wales a classroom of school children (approximately 38) start smoking tobacco. This is a startling and disturbing statistic. The burden on the NHS from lifestyle epidemics such as smoking is great and if we are to reduce this burden action needs to be taken to reduce the prevalence of smoking (approximately 21% in Wales) along with harm from alcohol, diet and physical inactivity.

The purpose of a smoke free beach pilot (there are many examples of smoke free beaches across the world, and indeed Swansea is considering making many of the areas beaches smoke free) is not to reduce or prevent second hand smoke but part of measures to de-normalise smoking. Unfortunately, surveys have shown that when asked adults, and children, have a perception the prevalence is over 60% and it is normal, when it is not.

In terms of e cigarettes whilst they are very useful for smokers to use to quit, not enough is known about their long term use and they are not manufactured to any standard. The recent report from the California Director of Public Health on e cigarettes is subtitled “A community health threat”

and purports they should be controlled. The Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services, Professor Mark Drakeford, is calling for e cigarettes to be treated the same as tobacco in the new Public Health (Wales) Bill. Classifying e cigarettes the same as tobacco does not in itself prevent smokers utilising them. He argues that the reason for doing this is that we do not really know the long term health impacts. There are academic studies now appearing that show take up of e cigarettes by children.

A recent survey commissioned by Parmacy2u Online Doctor Service has shown that the vast majority of the public support smoke free beach bans. Nearly half thought a smoke free beach world make a visit to a traditional holiday town more attractive. Only 1 in 11 thought it would prevent people visiting.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s actions in establishing a smoke free beach, including e cigarettes, are to holistically safeguard children from their dangers and also to promote Pembrokeshire as a healthy and well being place to visit. The study mentioned above and the fact that smokers are in the minority suggest such actions should increase tourism numbers not decrease them.

Mark Elliott Head of Public Protection

/ Pennaeth Diogelu’r Cyhoedd Pembrokeshire County Council /

Cyngor Sir Benfro