Yeşilay reports high public support for tobacco control policies

Yeşilay has released the results of two public opinion surveys regarding tobacco control policies in Turkey. The research, which included both digital and face-to-face field studies involving nearly 7,000 participants, indicates strong public support for stricter regulations aimed at protecting children and youth from tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Key findings show that 91.4% of digital survey participants support new regulations to protect young people. There is significant backing for the ‘Tobacco-Free Generation’ approach, which aligns with a draft regulation from the Ministry of Health that proposes a complete ban on tobacco sales starting January 1, 2040. Specifically, 83.2% of face-to-face respondents supported banning tobacco sales to those born in or after 2015.

Additional areas of high support include reducing the visibility of tobacco products at points of sale (84.5%), increasing restrictions on digital platforms (89.6%), and limiting tobacco use and visibility in public spaces (91.6%). Yeşilay President Mehmet Dinç emphasized that the fight against tobacco products affects the entire society, including non-smokers and those attempting to quit.