More Danes are wishing for smoke-free public areas, and the trend is on the rise, according to a new survey from YouGov conducted for TrygFonden (Danish foundation). The survey shows that 63 percent of the respondents believe that smoking should be banned in places like pedestrian streets and stadiums. This is a significant increase from 2016, when only 48 percent held this opinion. The survey, which collected responses from around 5000 randomly selected Danes, reflects a growing resistance to smoking in public spaces. Jette Jul Bruun, deputy director at TrygFonden, explains that there has been a shift in society where more and more people desire smoke-free environments and see it as a societal responsibility to implement restrictions. “We see fewer people smoking, and that’s why we have become more sensitive to smoke. When smoke is present, we notice it more,” says Jette Jul Bruun. She adds that a growing awareness of children’s health also plays a major role, as many parents want to protect their children from seeing smoking as a normal part of everyday life.
Based on the smoking law, which prohibits indoor smoking in many public places, several municipalities have already taken steps to expand the bans to also include outdoor areas. For example, Nyborg Kommune (municipality) has made playgrounds and sports areas smoke-free and is now planning to extend these restrictions to include commercial streets. Thomas Møller Hvidberg, health consultant in Nyborg Kommune, explains that they have initiated collaboration with local businesses and organizations to promote smoke-free outdoor areas. “Several shops have already introduced nicotine-free working hours, showing openness towards creating smoke-free environments,” he says.
This trend towards smoke-free areas is also supported by the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse), where the head of tobacco prevention, Niels Them Kjær, highlights a particular focus on areas where children and young people frequent. The survey and the ongoing initiatives show a clear trend in society towards a healthier and smoke-free everyday life, where public areas become more welcoming for everyone.