Hundreds of complaints have been lodged over cigarette smoke in York, according to new research showing the city had the highest number of them in the UK.
Figures from City of York Council obtained through a Freedom of Information request showed there were 769 complaints made over ‘smoke drift’ since 2025, including from neighbouring homes.
David Phillips, of the nicotine pouch seller Alternix who obtained the data, said cigarette smoke could travel through shared walls, lofts, ventilation systems and windows, leaving neighbours exposed.
It comes as part of research done by Alternix and the Vape Superstore into complaints over cigarette smoke nationally.
The complaints made in York, which also include 37 in public spaces, were among 1,363 made to councils between January 2025 and April this year.
Persistent smoke drift is classed as a statutory nuisance which can be investigated by councils.
Complaints about residential smoke drift accounted for almost three quarters, 72 per cent, of the total number of complaints nationally.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council recorded the highest number of residential smoke drift complaints, 192 since the start of last year.
It was followed by Dacorum Borough Council, in Hemel Hempstead, with 131, Greenwich Borough Council, 104, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, 84 and Birmingham City Council, 66.
Regular exposure to second-hand smoke can increase the risk of conditions including lung cancer and heart disease, with children and pregnant women particularly vulnerable according to the NHS.
The Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) campaign group found 10 per cent of non-smokers in England had been exposed to second-hand smoke at home.
Six per cent of them said it was from someone outside their own households.
That is despite 80 per cent of adults in England not allowing smoking in their homes, according to ASH.
Alternix and the Vape Superstore stated problems could be even more noticeable during summer when windows and doors are left open and more people smoke outdoors.
Alternix’s Mr Phillips said people exposed to smoke from their neighbours should try and find any cracks which could be letting it in and repair them first.
He added people should then consider speaking to their neighbour and going to their landlords or the local council if the problem persists.
Mr Phillips said: “Many people assume cigarette smoke only affects those inside the property where someone is smoking, but that’s often not the case.
“While a polite conversation can often resolve the issue, anyone experiencing persistent smoke drift shouldn’t ignore it.
“Keeping a record of incidents and speaking to landlords or managing agents can help where the problem continues.”
