Society in the Valencia region is becoming increasingly critical of tobacco consumption in public spaces and the rise of new nicotine devices. This is reflected in the 2026 Smoke-Free Week Survey of the Valencia region, which shows broad public support for tightening measures against smoking and warns about the impact of vapes and heated tobacco among adolescents and young adults.
The most striking piece of data from the report reveals that 86.9% of people surveyed reject allowing smoking on the terraces of bars and restaurants. This figure confirms a clear social trend towards denormalising tobacco and reinforces public support for smoke-free spaces.
Promoted under the slogan “Inhale Life, take a breath”, the survey was carried out during March and April 2026, with the voluntary participation of 753 people from the Valencia region. The initiative is part of a national campaign driven by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC), which collected more than 9,300 responses across Spain.
The possibility of banning smoking on terraces has gained renewed social momentum years after the restrictions applied during the pandemic. According to the study, almost nine out of ten people in Valencia believe that these outdoor spaces should remain free from smoke.
Furthermore, 78.9% of participants want to see smoke-free zones extended even further, a measure already in place across certain healthcare, educational and beach environments in various Spanish municipalities.
This social backing is particularly significant because the temporary ban on smoking on terraces during the pandemic was widely accepted and did not cause a notable negative impact on the hospitality sector, as highlighted by those responsible for the survey. Public perception also reflects a greater sensitivity towards environmental smoke and its impact on public health, especially in shared spaces where minors, families and vulnerable people gather.
Another major finding of the report is the growing rejection of new nicotine products. A total of 73.6% of those surveyed believe that products such as vapes or heated tobacco increase the likelihood of individuals eventually consuming conventional tobacco.
The concern focuses particularly on young people. The results show that electronic cigarettes are associated with younger ages and patterns of dual consumption, meaning individuals who combine vapes with traditional cigarettes.
Among smokers aged between 19 and 24, the use of vapes reaches 50%, a figure that worries healthcare professionals due to the risk of early nicotine initiation. Additionally, 88.6% of participants believe there is a false public perception that these devices are not harmful or are less damaging than conventional tobacco.
Experts have been warning for years that many adolescents are drawn to vaping due to sweet flavours, striking designs and promotional campaigns on social media.
The survey also delves into the reasons behind the growth of these products among young people. More than 68% of respondents believe vapes are consumed mainly because they are fashionable, whilst nearly 60% point to flavours and aromatics as one of the main attractions.
Devices featuring fruity, sweet or refreshing flavours are especially popular among adolescents and young adults, sparking an intense debate on the need to tighten regulations. Added to this is the influence of social media and specific promotional content indirectly aimed at minors. In fact, more than two thirds of participants support restricting the advertising of these products on digital platforms and limiting sales outlets. There is also majority support for tightening age restrictions to access products containing nicotine.
The study brings another important reality to light: many smokers want to quit tobacco, though they do not always manage to maintain abstinence.
More than 70% of smokers surveyed state that they have tried to quit smoking at some point. However, the majority acknowledge having suffered subsequent relapses. Despite this, only 20% state that they have used funded pharmacological treatments to quit smoking, a statistic that highlights the need to reinforce information and access to specialised healthcare resources.
Healthcare professionals insist that giving up tobacco often requires several attempts and remind the public that effective treatments exist which significantly increase the chances of success when combined with medical and psychological support.
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