Eight out of ten Spaniards against a return to smoking in public places

These are just some of the findings of a survey conducted by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (Semfyc) on over 4,000 citizens in health centres across Spain, some of them smokers, some non-smokers and others former smokers.

The data contrasts with recent calls for the relaxation of the smoking ban, "especially for revenue purposes," said vice president of Semfyc, Ana Pastor, who has called on governments to "listen to the people".

The survey also showed that 37% of Spaniards believe that generic packaging - a simpler packet, without colours, logos or distinctive features - could decrease the attractiveness of cigarettes among adolescents. By contrast, a large majority (62%) of respondents believe that it would have little or no deterrent effect.

26% of those surveyed also wrongly believed that "roll-ups" were less harmful than regular cigarettes, a percentage that rises to 32% amongst the under-30s.

The survey also explores how smokers' habits have changed a year and a half since the laws banning smoking in public places came into force. A massive 90% said they were "as likely" or "more likely" to go to public venues despite not being able to smoke there.

Meanwhile, 20% say they smoke less at home, and smoking in the car has seen a similar drop (15%). 9% of smokers said they now smoked more often, and 46% said they smoked as much as before.  Dr. Pastor said a decision to extend the smoking ban to private cars would be "a breakthrough" in terms of passive smoking, but "quite risky in terms of personal freedom".

The survey shows that 35% of smokers had tried to give up cigarettes in 2011, compared with 31% in 2010 and 25% in 2009.