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Vape products could be taxed in future with the aim of "reducing the consumption of nicotine" and helping to "meet the social costs of vaping", it has emerged.
Published yesterday, the draft Government Plan proposes firm spending plans for next year and estimates for the following three.
The plan includes a 15.9% increase on tobacco products – the sum of June 2023 RPI (10.9%) plus an additional 5%.
The proposed increase would see a standard packet of 20 cigarettes cost £10.09, whilst a 50g pouch of hand-rolling tobacco would cost £40.37.
While the Government Plan does not propose any immediate taxation on e-cigarettes or vapes, it does outline plans to "undertake a study of the potential role for taxation both in reducing the consumption of nicotine and other potentially harmful e-liquids by vaping, particularly among young islanders".
Pictured: The proposed increase would see a 50g pouch of hand-rolling tobacco cost over £40.
The Government says it is "committed to safeguarding the health of islanders and minimising the harmful effects of nicotine consumption in all its forms".
The Government Plan document explains: "With vaping’s growing popularity there has emerged a diverse range of products that differ in design, chemical composition, health implications and environmental consequences.
"This complexity warrants an evidence-based review to arrive at a balanced and effective taxation framework that works in concert with the Government’s regulatory and awareness strategies set out within the Government Plan and Ministerial priorities."
Pictured: The "complexity" of the increasing use of vapes "warrants an evidence-based review to arrive at a balanced and effective taxation framework".
Ministers also recently announced plans to follow other jurisdictions by banning disposable vapes in Jersey for "both environmental and health-related reasons".
Health Minister Karen Wilson, said: “The Government have already made it illegal to sell and supply e-cigarettes, vapes and related products to under-18s.
“Ministers have announced their future plans, the detail of which will be shared when appropriate to do so. Public Health will be involved in this work."
Pictured: “I would like to remind islanders that vaping is not risk free," said Health Minister Karen Wilson.
She added: “I would like to remind islanders that vaping is not risk free. Vaping poses less risk to health than smoking, however, the long-term effects of vaping on the human body are not yet known.”
Express and the JEP recently published an investigation into the shocking lack of regulation in Jersey that could be exposing teens to dangerous levels of nicotine and creating a new generation of smokers. It exposed how:
Vapes are being sold in Jersey that would be illegal in the UK
Children are finishing vapes equivalent to a 20-pack of cigarettes in a day
Vapes are being confiscated from primary school age children – and highlighter-style packaging helping them smuggle products into schools
A local doctor's concern about a new generation of young addicts in Jersey
You can read more about the 'Gen-V' investigation HERE and in Saturday and Monday’s Jersey Evening Post.
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