The poll found that 10% of all smokers in the UK have started smoking again after quitting, due to the strain of the pandemic THE Scottish Government initiative to produce a tobacco-free generation of young people by 2034 is being jeopardised by an uptake in smoking because of Covid-19. A survey by analysts Mintel found that more than half of smokers were stress-smoking more during the pandemic. The poll also found that 10% of all smokers in the UK have started smoking again after quitting, due to the strain of the pandemic. Young people in particular are taking refuge in the habit, with 39% of smokers aged 18-34 saying they are now smoking more regularly.