After the introduction of restrictions on smokeless tobacco products in Latvia, 23% of residents noticed that among their friends and acquaintances, purchases of such products in the illegal market increased. This is evidenced by the results of a study presented by the SKDS research center. According to the survey, the consequences of the restrictions varied. Another 23% of respondents reported that their acquaintances switched to other legal smokeless products, 20% began purchasing similar products abroad, 9% returned to regular cigarettes, and only 3% completely gave up the use of tobacco and nicotine products. These trends are particularly noticeable among young people. In the 20–24 age group, more than half of the study participants reported that their acquaintances began acquiring smokeless products in the illegal market or outside of Latvia. The study also shows that 31% of residents aged 20 to 75 use various tobacco or nicotine products. Traditional cigarettes remain the most common — 20% of respondents smoke them. Electronic cigarettes are used by 9%, tobacco heating systems by 4%, and nicotine pouches by 2%. At the same time, 68% of study participants stated that they do not use tobacco or nicotine products. Interestingly, 69% of respondents believe that the most effective way to reduce smoking is through public education rather than bans. Additionally, 48% believe that the government should provide people who cannot or do not want to quit smoking with the option to choose less harmful alternatives. The opposite view is held by 29% of respondents. Another conclusion of the study concerns public awareness. More than half of respondents believe that they either lack neutral information about reducing harm from tobacco or find it difficult to assess its sufficiency. At the same time, 64% of respondents described the Ministry of Health's policy on reducing smoking as ineffective, while 14% consider it effective. The survey also showed a high level of concern about the spread of nicotine products among teenagers. 84% of residents believe that the use of tobacco and nicotine products by minors is widespread in Latvia. According to study participants, teenagers most often obtain such products through adults (56%) or purchase them illegally online (49%). The study was conducted from April 24 to May 19. It involved 2005 permanent residents of Latvia aged 20 to 75. Recall that from January 1, 2025, the sale of flavored liquids for electronic cigarettes and a number of tobacco product substitutes will be banned in Latvia. At the same time, the minimum age for purchasing any tobacco products has been raised to 20 years.
