Around the world: United Kingdom

Wales bans smoking

Wales became the second nation in Britain to stub out smoking in public enclosed spaces yesterday ahead of a total ban in the UK from July.

Scotland started a year ago, while Northern Ireland is to follow on April 30 and England on July 1. Anyone in Wales caught smoking in such places, including work, faces an on-the-spot 50 pound ($96) fine, while those in charge of premises who do not display adequate no-smoking signs will be fined 200 pounds ($385).