In their latest newsletters, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Jersey Hospitality Association are calling for a freeze on duties.
Senator Le Sueur’s Budget is likely to be published next month, before the States debate in December.
Chamber of Commerce president Kevin Keen has issued figures to show that duty increases in Jersey over the last six years grew by over 100% on beer and cigarettes, compared with 11% in the UK for beer and 18% for cigarettes.
The figures also show that duty on unleaded petrol increased by 75% in the Island but actually fell by 4% in the UK from 2000 to 2006.
Mr Keen also pointed out that duty levied on a litre of Scotch whisky increased by 35% here, whereas there was no duty increase in the UK.
‘No doubt politicians will point to health grounds for the increased duties,’ he said.
‘They may also say that it is not the only reason for the decline in tourism, but it is a factor.’
