A ban on the sale of cigarettes from vending machines has been given a final approval by the Welsh government.

The ban, which will be regulated locally by council trading standards officers, will come in force in Wales on 1 February 2012, reports BBC.
A cigarette vending machine ban has taken effect in England on 1 October but legal challenges there affected timings in Wales, according to officials.
BMA Cymru Wales secretary Dr Richard Lewis welcomed the ban, saying smoking is one of the biggest public health challenges facing Wales today. "We hope to see a similar ban on shop displays of cigarettes shortly," he added.
The government estimates there are roughly 3,000 cigarette vending machines in Wales. (pi)