WELSH people are less exposed to second-hand smoke than they were before the smoking ban, the Assembly said on its third anniversary yesterday.

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Jewell said thanks to the ban we are at a reduced risk of heart attacks than before.

It came as councils revealed figures on the number of people reprimanded officially for breaking the law.

Dr Jewell said Assembly research showed levels of exposure to second-hand smoke fell significantly since the ban was introduced in 2007.

He said more than 99 per cent of premises inspected during January 2010 complied with the legislation.

In Newport, the council said two businesses were prosecuted for breaking the ban during the three years of operation, while 15 people attended court after failing to pay fixed-penalty notices.

It handed out 67 notices, with £3,100 paid in penalties and fines.

Caerphilly council gave 12 written warnings and 13 fixed penalties over the period but did not prosecute any businesses or individuals.

Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire said they have not prosecuted anyone, although the latter council issued nine written warnings.

Torfaen Council could not provide the latest figures, but last September we reported it issued 100 written warnings, ten fines and two successful prosecutions up till that time.

The British Beer and Pub Association said although pubs, under pressure from the recession, have been hit by the ban, it added: "The vast majority of people believe pubs are more pleasant places without smoking and what's good for our customers, has to be good for pubs."