Increasing Support for Smoke-free Alternatives among Serbian Consumers

Aug.29.2024
Increasing Support for Smoke-free Alternatives among Serbian Consumers
Serbian consumers increasingly believe smoking bans are necessary, but many think smokeless devices should be exempt.

According to a report from 021.RS on August 28, the Serbian National Consumer Organization (NOPS) has noted a significant increase in the number of people who believe that a smoking ban is necessary. However, many individuals argue that smoke-free smoking devices should be exempt from the ban.


According to a press release from NOPS, the results of the third survey on alternative tobacco and nicotine products show that last year, 23% of respondents believed that the use of smokeless smoking devices should be allowed. This year, that percentage has risen to 63%, with individuals believing that these devices should be allowed for use even in restaurants and cafes where smoking is prohibited.


Marko Dragić, a member of the organization, stated that these "rather contradictory results" indicate that consumers, whether smokers or non-smokers, lack sufficient relevant information about these products.


A study conducted by NOPS surveyed 2,000 participants and found that 18% of respondents used heated tobacco products, while approximately 5% used e-cigarettes.


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