Public attitudes to tobacco and vape regulation in Wales

Findings from the ASH Wales 2026 YouGov survey of adults in Wales, exploring views on tobacco age of sale, retailer licensing, vape presentation and promotion, smoke-free places and perceptions of vaping harm.

1,119 adults in Wales • Online fieldwork 18 February–19 March 2026 • Weighted to be representative of Welsh adults aged 18+

These percentages report support recorded in the survey. They are ASH Wales/YouGov polling findings, not official government statistics.

The survey found high levels of support for existing smoke-free protections and majority support for several possible extensions. Questions in this section asked specifically about smoking and smoke-free spaces; they did not ask about vaping or vape-free spaces.

Among Welsh adults who were aware of vapes, 40% believed vaping was just as harmful as smoking and 14% believed it was more harmful. Only 28% regarded vaping as less harmful than smoking.

This is a measure of public perception. It should not be read as a clinical assessment of the relative risks of smoking and vaping.

The survey was conducted online by YouGov plc on behalf of ASH. The total sample was 1,119 adults in Wales. Fieldwork ran from 18 February to 19 March 2026 and figures were weighted to be representative of Welsh adults aged 18 and over.

All percentages in the published report are based on unweighted question or subgroup bases of at least 80 respondents. Figures may not total 100% because of rounding, and multiple-response questions are identified in the report. Descriptive subgroup and split-sample differences are not presented as statistically significant unless tested.