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Doctors group opposes plans to ban e-cigarettes in public places

The Royal College of Physicians in Wales says it does not support a ban on e-cigarettes in public places, as proposed by the Welsh Government. Doctors say the devices could lead to significant falls in smoking and prevent deaths.

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Doctors group questions e-cigarette public ban plans

Doctors group the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in Wales has published its response to the Welsh Government's proposal to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public places.

It says it doesn't support a ban because the devices can help people give up conventional cigarettes. But it does support better regulation and a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes to people under 18.

The Royal College of Physicians argues e-cigarettes can help people avoid the dangers of tobacco. Credit: Tim Ireland/PA Wire

The RCP says smoking accounts for approximately 5,450 deaths every year in Wales where it is estimated that 14,500 young people a year take up smoking.

The Welsh Government has said there is a risk e-cigarettes could 'normalise' smoking once again. It say it will consider all responses to its consultation in due course.

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