PLANS which could see e-cigarette use banned in public places in Wales have taken a step forward.

But afterfollowing concerns the proposal would be counter-productive in helping smokers kick the habit the plans have been watered down to only apply to schools and colleges with students aged 18 and younger, anywhere food is served and public transport.

The Public Health (Wales) Bill – which includes provision to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public – was presented to members of the Welsh Assembly for the first time yesterday, Tuesday.

Although health minister Mark Drakeford said he believed the plan was the best way forward to protect children from the dangers of passive smoking, members also heard concerns that banning the use of e-cigarettes in public would make it more difficult for those who use them to help them give up the habit to do so.

Speaking during the debate Professor Drakeford said: “My own view remains that the measures contained within the bill as drafted provide the simplest, clearest and most proportionate means of preventing harm which could arise from the proliferation of e-cigarettes, while doing nothing to interfere with their use in harm reduction.”

Although he conceded the evidence around the harm or otherwise of e-cigarette use was inconclusive, the minister said he would prefer to take action to protect the health of Welsh people rather than put them at the potential of risk. “I am not prepared, and I do not believe this Assembly should not be prepared, to do nothing in the hope that harm might not occur,” he said.

Professor Drakeford added he recognised other members did not support the idea of a blanket ban on using the devices in public, and said he was prepared to amend the draft bill with a specific focus on the protection of children.

“It is my intention to lay such amendments in relation to educational establishments containing students aged 18 and under, places where food is served and public transport,” he said.

“These amendments will be published shortly after Christmas and in good time, I hope, for those members who have wished to see the bill refocused in this way to be able to give them full consideration.”

Other elements of the bill include a ban on “intimate piercings” for anyone younger than 16, a requirement that all tattoo artists must be licensed and rules stating all councils must provide public toilets.

Members voted to approve the first stage of the draft bill by 25 votes to 21, with one abstention. It will now be amended to be discussed again after Christmas.

To view the full draft bill visit assembly.wales.