The new law that bans smoking in all enclosed public places will come into force in about two weeks, and a recent study conducted by iSense Solutions shows that most Romanians have a good opinion about the new rules.

Nearly eight in ten urban Romanians (78%) agree with the new law, and more than half (52%) of the urban Internet users say that they will go out as often as they do now.

Moreover, 92% of the non-smokers agree with the smoking ban.

“It’s worth mentioning that, although the decision limits their smoking possibilities, the smokers seem to acknowledge the necessity of this law. For example, more than half of the smokers (56%) say they agree with the new legislation while 45% are satisfied and very satisfied with it,” said Andrei Canda, managing partner iSense Solutions.

The study also shows that more men (19%) are dissatisfied with the new rules than women (16%).

“Beyond the general opinion on this law, its impact on the hospitality industry is very important, as it may affect the frequency with which people will choose to spend their free time in bars and restaurants. However, we’ve noted that the number of those who say that they will go out more often (21%) is higher than the number of those who will go out less frequently (11%) while 15% are still undecided,” said Traian Nastase, managing partner iSense Solutions.

Some 30% of the non-smokers will go out more often while the same share of smokers will spend their free time in bars and restaurants less frequently, according to the study. On the other hand, only 4% of the smokers will go out more often after the new law will come into force, and 1% of non-smokers will go out less frequently.

In Romania, a smoker consumes an average of 12 cigarettes per day. Those aged between 35 and 44 smoke the most (15 cigarettes per day, on average), and men smoke more than women (14 vs. 11 cigarettes per day), according to the study. Moreover, those who are married or in a relationship smoke more than those who are single (13 vs. 10 cigarettes daily).

About 84% of the smokers prefer standard cigarettes, without any flavors, 16% smoke menthol cigarettes, and 5% prefer other flavors.

The study was conducted in February on a sample of 893 people.

Smoking in Romania: What do the Romanians think about the new smoking ban?

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com