MINISTERS are “actively considering” a new tax on vapes after the UK government announced a levy on the products as part of plans to usher in a “smoke-free generation”.
Yesterday in the States Assembly, Treasury Minister Elaine Millar revealed that the UK’s decision provided “guidance” for Jersey to follow.
During his recent budget speech, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told the Commons that the nicotine liquids used in electronic vapes would be subject to excise duties for the first time from 2026. The move is designed to discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit.
This tax is one of several measures in the Conservative government’s strategy to create a “smoke-free generation” that also includes the gradual introduction of a total ban on smoking for children. MPs were yesterday due to debate and vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ensure anyone born after 2009 is banned from buying cigarettes.
Deputy Millar’s announcement marks another stage of the Jersey government’s continued clampdown on the habit.
In February, Environment Minister Steve Luce said the government was “looking at the most effective and quickest way” to ban disposable e-cigarettes.
Meanwhile, two separate consultations have been launched to understand the impact of a ban on the sale of single-use vapes, and to canvass the views of parents and carers on youth vaping in Jersey.
Deputy Steve Ahier yesterday asked Deputy Millar about her plans to introduce a vaping tax.
Deputy Millar said: “It would be novel and unusual for Jersey to increase tax on vapes, which is not used in other places.
“But the fact that the UK has introduced one gives us some guidance, so it is something we are actively considering.”
The Government Plan also outlines 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”.
The “complexity” of the increasing use of vapes “warrants an evidence-based review to arrive at a balanced and effective taxation framework”, the plan states.
