A new tax on vaping products is due to be proposed by the Government as part of a broader effort to reduce nicotine consumption, the Treasury Minister has confirmed.
The proposed taxation policy will be included in the Government’s next spending plans, and will require approval from politicians before being implemented.
Treasury Minister Elaine Millar this week told the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel that the policy would be focused on public health rather than generating revenue.
She said: “It is more about the health impacts of trying to dissuade children and young people from vaping, but that has to be balanced with the need to try and not encourage people to smoke instead.”
It comes after data revealed that more than half of islanders aged between 16 and 34 had used e-cigarette devices at least once.
Public Health Director Peter Bradley confirmed that the tax will follow a vaping awareness campaign and a new strategy launching early this year which aims to address both traditional and electronic cigarettes.
With single-use vapes due to be banned this summer, the strategy will explore tighter regulation around reusable e-cigarettes and other nicotine products to prevent further uptake among young people.
He said: “Vaping is known to be less harmful than smoking and is a useful method to help smokers quit.
“However, we have seen a rise in people choosing to vape, including young people.
“Although most young people don’t vape, we know we need to do more to protect our children and young people from the use of vapes and nicotine, while maintaining the appeal to adults who want to stop smoking.”
Deputy Millar’s plans follow the Government’s 2023 commitment to explore vaping taxes as a means of reducing nicotine consumption.
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