Majority support for expanding smoke-free areas
One of the most significant findings is the widespread social support for establishing new smoke-free areas. 74% of the population would support a smoking ban on bar and restaurant terraces; with this figure rising to 87.8% among non-smokers. However, support drops to 56.3% among adolescents aged 14 to 18.
When asked about where smoking should be prohibited, most respondents identified school environments (83.7%), bus stops (76.8%), and open public spaces (66%) as priority areas. There is also growing support for smoke-free beaches (62%) and vehicles.
Generational gap in perceptions of smoking
This generational difference is also evident in other areas, such as the environment of educational centres (where there is an average acceptance of 85% compared to 71.1% among minors). This lower sensitivity among young people to smoking restrictions could be related to the growing popularity of alternative products like vapes and heated tobacco, which are often mistakenly seen as harmless.
In fact, 93% of vapers also smoke traditional cigarettes, suggesting that these products are not reducing tobacco use, but instead serving as a gateway to nicotine addiction.
Economic measures: raising prices as a deterrent
One widely supported measure is raising tobacco taxes: 74.6% of respondents would be in favour of raising prices, including 48.4% of smokers. It is estimated that a significant rise in tobacco prices could reduce its consumption by 10-15%. Spain currently has one of the lowest prices in Europe for these products, with an average of €4.60 per packet, compared to €12 in countries like France.
There is also growing support for plain packaging, a measure already proven effective in other countries in reducing tobacco’s appeal.
Consumption profile: alarming trends among adolescents and young people
The current consumer profile is also a cause for concern. Among adolescents aged 14-18, 19.3% report smoking, and within this group, 11.1% use e-cigarettes. In the 19-24 age group, roll-your-own tobacco is the preferred product, followed by traditional cigarettes and then vapes. From age 35 onward, conventional cigarettes remain the predominant form of smoking.
Tobacco use causes around 50,000 deaths per year in Spain and is associated with over 30 diseases. Therefore, these data highlight a dual imperative: strengthen public prevention policies and tailor messaging for younger generations, especially to counter the widespread but false perception that vaping is safe.
Information documented by:
Dr Jacobo Sellarès, pneumologist and Dr Silvia Mondón, psychiatrist. Hospital Clínic Barcelona.
