The 2007 Welsh smoking ban in public places exempts mental health hospitals. This qualitative study aims to evaluate professional attitudes to the exemption by gathering the opinions of mental healthcare professionals working in a medium secure forensic hospital in Wales. Using semi-structured interviews, with a sample of 13 healthcare professionals, the study shows the previously unknown views of staff about the Welsh exemption. Opinions about it were mixed. Six emergent themes were identified, ranging from human rights questions to individual choice and staff training. The participants agreed that the current legislation caused confusion among staff and patients, with the consensus being that the smoking regulations should be the same across the UK, but especially between England and Wales.