INTRODUCING a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes for Islanders aged 17 or younger “could be transformational and save lives”, a politician has said – but any new legislation “must be careful not to criminalise children”.
Deputy Lucy Stephenson made the comments after the Tobacco and Vapes Bill cleared Parliament earlier this week, paving the way for a “smoke-free generation” in the UK by banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after January 2009.
While Jersey has no equivalent policy currently in development, there is political appetite to explore similar restrictions after the next election.
A Public Health spokesperson confirmed that the government is “aware of recent developments in the UK regarding smoking legislation for younger generations”.
“There is no equivalent policy currently under development in Jersey. Decisions about whether to explore similar measures in the future would be a matter for a new ministerial team following the election, should they wish to commission that work,” they added.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert indicated he would be happy to support comparable action locally.
“I would encourage anything that would reduce smoking and the risk of cancer when people get older and that would provoke a healthier life for young people,” he said.
“I would be supportive of similar action here. Anything that improves health of young people has got to be considered.”
However, he acknowledged that no immediate steps could be taken under the current administration.
“We are now in a position where ministers can no longer take any action,” he said, adding that any progress would depend on the next government.
Deputy Stephenson questioned how such a law would be enforced, stressing the importance of not penalising young people themselves.
She said: “In principle I would support a smoking ban mirroring what has been agreed in the UK, so for those born after 2008. Such a move could be transformational and save lives, reducing the chance of peer pressure to start smoking in the first place.”
“Its implementation would not be without challenges, and I would want to make sure any new legislation would not criminalise children, placing the duty instead on retailers not to sell to those born after that date,” she added.
Deputy Stephenson also urged the government to move quickly on tighter controls around vaping, particularly products that may appeal to younger users.
She said she wanted Jersey to adopt UK-style rules on flavours and packaging “as a matter of urgency”, warning that brightly marketed products risk targeting children and teenagers.
Her comments echo growing public concern locally. A survey last year found more than two-thirds of Islanders would support a ban on smoking and vaping for those born in 2009 or later.
The research, carried out by Island Global Research and involving more than 1,300 Islanders, showed particularly strong backing for measures aimed at protecting young people.
Around 91% supported action to prevent vaping in schools, while roughly 80% backed tighter advertising controls and restrictions on vape displays.
There was also widespread support for measures such as plain packaging, stricter age verification and banning sweet or fruity flavours seen as appealing to teenagers.
Deputy Louise Doublet also backed evidence-led action to improve public health, while raising questions about enforcement and broader wellbeing.
“I am strongly in favour of policies that have a basis in evidence and research, particularly when it comes to improving the health of islanders,” she said.
“The evidence is very clear on the damaging impacts of smoking and the costs to our health service.”
She added that Jersey must consider preventative policies both to improve lives and to manage rising healthcare costs, but cautioned: “We do need to be mindful of personal autonomy and I wonder how easy it would be to actually enforce a law like this.”
Deputy Doublet said she favoured “positive actions” to support young people’s health, including accessible after-school activities, and warned that mental health and social factors must not be overlooked.
“We need policies that look at screen use and social media, and there should also be opportunities for children to be connected to their communities,” she said.
