As part of its new plan which is due to be debated in the coming months, the government is proposing to increase tax on alcohol above inflation.
The rises include 8p per pint on high-strength beer and cider, which equates to an 8.9% rise above RPI.
The strongest wine will rise 23p per bottle, with £2.08 being added to spirits, a rise above inflation of 10.9%.
Deputy Lindsay Ash has been vocal over the last year in his criticism for the Island’s high alcohol prices.
He has already set out his intention to oppose the government’s tax rises this time, and he believes any further increase could spell bad news for the number of tourists Jersey welcomes. He said: ‘If these prices keep continuing to rise you are going to be looking at something like £8 for a gin and tonic.
‘We don’t want to end up like Iceland, for example, where it is so expensive that people can’t go for a drink.
‘I think the prices have already been keeping tourists away from Jersey and any further rises like the ones being proposed will put people off.
‘I’ve heard people say it is a great Island but they maybe wouldn’t come back because of the prices here for drink and food.’
Despite being the Assistant Treasury Minister, Deputy Ash has spoken out about the proposed tax rises and said he will continue to do so because it was one of his manifesto pledges when he was elected.
Deputy Ash has not indicated whether he or someone else will bring an amendment to the plan. However, he has said there are many States Members who have indicated they would back it.
He added: ‘Whether it is myself bringing it or someone else I don’t know.
‘There are a few people who have said they are prepared to bring it forward, and there are a number of backbenchers who have indicated they will support it.
‘It is unusual to bring it against the government, but the Council of Ministers are aware of my views and what I pledged in my manifesto and I plan to stick to it. It wouldn’t be right for me to go back on it.’
