Smoking rates and smoke-free policies
Follow population smoking trends, smoke-free targets, generational sales bans and restrictions on smoking in places. Compare the data behind claims of progress and distinguish targets from achieved outcomes.
Countries →Essential reading
All coverage
France rejects lifetime tobacco ban and targets health misinformation
French MPs have thrown out a plan to stop the next generation ever being legally sold tobacco.
Don’t shut off smokers’ escape route, Labour MPs warn ministers
Labour MPs have urged ministers to protect vaping as a route out of smoking, as the Government targets 1 June 2027 for a UK-wide advertising ban.
Smoking among young Swiss people falls by almost a quarter in two years
The proportion of young people smoking in Switzerland fell by almost a quarter between 2023 and 2025, while monthly vaping remained broadly stable.
Ireland to increase vape tax by 40 per cent from January
Ireland will raise its tax on vape liquids by 40 per cent from January, adding another €2 in duty to a 10ml refill bottle before VAT.
UK smoking falls below one in 10 ahead of nicotine pouch age restrictions
Smoking among UK adults fell below one in 10 in 2025, official figures show, as retailers prepare for new restrictions on sales of nicotine pouches and vaping products.
Estonia’s smoking rate falls by more than a quarter as vaping more than triples
Estonia has recorded one of Europe’s clearest recent shifts away from smoking, with current smoking falling by more than a quarter while vaping more than tripled between 2020 and 2024.
Vape restrictions may push some young people towards cigarettes, major analysis finds
Restrictions on vapes may increase cigarette smoking among young people, according to an analysis of 11 US studies.
