A survey in Denmark showed that three-quarters of Danish consumers use tobacco tar bags for health reasons, and 80 percent of customers oppose the restrictive proposal, saying it could lead to a black market. Since the introduction of tobacco tar bags in Denmark in 2018, the country’s smoking rate has dropped to 14% by 2023.
According to Business Wire on November 19, the Tholos Foundation recently conducted an exclusive survey with international polling firm IPSOS to discuss Danish consumers’ reactions to proposals to restrict tobacco tar bags.
To cut back or quit smoking, three-quarters of consumers use tobacco tar bags for health reasons, the survey showed. Since the introduction of tobacco tar bags in Denmark in 2018, the country’s smoking rate has dropped from 19 percent to 14 percent in 2023. The study also found that nearly 20 percent of tobacco tar bag users said they would smoke again if the ban was implemented.
The survey also found that the implementation of such proposals could lead to a surge in black market sales, with around 50% of consumers expected to buy illegally. Most consumers do not support the proposed tobacco tar limits.
Customer Affairs Director Tim Andrews said,
- “Evidence shows that tobacco tar bags help customers quit smoking and reduce harm. The proposed tobacco tar restrictions will have a devastating impact on public health, increase smoking rates, and lead to a thriving black market.”
- “Eighty percent of consumers believe tobacco tar bags help reduce smoking rates, and they believe the government should support alternatives that are less harmful than smoking, a powerful constituency.” This makes it clear that governments should follow international good practices, restrict marketing to minors, prevent minors from trying, and allow adults to quit smoking through smart laws and regulations based on research and evidence.”
In September 2024, the Danish government issued the “Bill on the limit of nicotine content in cigarette substitutes”, which proposes to limit the content of nicotine to 9 mg per bag.
