Smoking rates in Great Britain continued to spiral down in 2020, according to the latest findings produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It comes as the industry announces updated figures and market information.
GB smoking rates have now fallen from 2019’s figure of 15.8% to 14.5% last year. This means there are now around 7.6 million smokers, which is down from the peak figure of 27 million four decades ago. The overall rate temporarily rose to 16.8% due to the impact of the Covid-related lockdowns.
The government has announced that it is aiming to have a “Smokefree Britain” by 2030 and the ONS’ findings prompted a spokesperson to say the end of smoking is “finally in sight”.
ONS figures show that male smoking rates have fallen from 17.9% to 15.3% but the story isn’t so positive for women. Rates for women aged 35 to 49 from rose from 14.3% to 15.1%, those aged 50 to 59 increased from 14.6% to 16.1% and those over 60 rose from 8.7% to 9.1%.
The number of ex-smokers who now vape has risen from 11.7% to 12.3%. The increase in those using vaping to quit smoking is driving the ecig market to new highs.
Dave Cross – Planet of the Vapes – 2021-12-13
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