Parents who smoke outside school gates and in public playgrounds will have to cough up £100. The tough new fines are being introduced in Wales in a bid to ‘denormalise smoking’ for children. Parents and carers – including childminders – will be banned from lighting up while waiting for their kids in outdoor areas, including hospital entrances.

The measure, to be introduced from the beginning of March, will also mean Welsh homeowners are no longer allowed to smoke when workers are in their property.