UK: No on-stage Smoking for Actors in Wales — Health Minister Mark Drakeford

Source from:  This is South Wales (uk) (Evening Post 05/17/2013

PLANS to allow actors to smoke on set have been binned by ministers in Wales.

The Welsh Government had been looking to amend existing legislation banning production companies from shooting scenes involving real smoking.

But Labour's new Health Minister Mark Drakeford has announced the proposals have been shelved.

The decision has been met with disappointment by those in the film industry in Wales — where hit shows like Casualty and Holby City are now filmed.

They fear it could cost the principality's economy up to £20 million —  saying the red tape could see production firms shoot big-budget dramas across the border in England, where the filming of real smoking is allowed.

But staunch anti-smoker Professor Drakeford told fellow AMs via a short written statement he was sticking to his guns. He said: "The Minister for Economy, Science and Transport and I have reviewed the evidence presented to the sub-committees to date.

"I have concluded the Government will not proceed with the original proposals at this time." Enditem