In Guernsey, the majority of the population supports stronger action against tobacco and vaping

As Guernsey in the UK considers increasing its excise duty on e-liquids and tobacco products, a survey conducted in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man shows majority support for stronger anti-smoking and anti-vaping measures, including protecting young people, banning disposable e-cigarettes and making it easier to quit smoking.

A specific tax recommendation for e-liquids

In its 2026 budget, Guernsey's Policy & Resources (P&R) committee recommends introducing an excise duty of £2.20 (€2.54) per 10ml of vaping liquid from October 2026, exactly as the rest of the UK will do at the same time.[1].

The most recent Guernsey Wellbeing Survey found that around 11,000 islanders regularly used e-cigarettes, up from 5,800 in 2018.[2].

Tobacco tax increase planned

Based on an inflation forecast of 3.3 %, P&R also recommends an increase of 13.3 % in excise duties on all tobacco products, in accordance with WHO recommendationsThis would increase the excise duty on an average pack of 20 cigarettes from £8.57 (€9.88) to £9.71 (€11.19)[3].

The 2026 tobacco excise revenue budget is estimated at £8.4 million (€9.6 million). The increase in these taxes of 0.1% compared to the 2025 budget highlights the dual positive effect of tax increases on these products in terms of increased revenue and reduced consumption. This beneficial effect has already been demonstrated in Guernsey in the past. For example, the increase in the price of tobacco products contributed to a reduction in smoking in Guernsey and Alderney, from over 30% of the population in 1988 to 13% in 2018.

In reviewing this year's budget proposal, P&R noted that during the travel restrictions imposed in 2020 and 2021, revenue from tobacco products increased by approximately £5 million. This increase is partly due to the lack of access to tax-free goods or goods purchased in lower-tax countries.

P&R therefore recommends that the Assembly approve a review of customs exemptions for tobacco products, with proposals to be made in the 2027 budget.

Poll shows overall support for stronger anti-smoking laws

This announcement coincides with the release of Island Global Research's (IGR) Smoking & Vaping Survey 2025, which explores smoking and vaping habits. This study was conducted on representative samples of the adult population and included 1,330 Jersey residents, 1,451 Guernsey residents, and 1,468 Isle of Man residents.[4].

According to the results, more than 70% of respondents want a specific tax on vaping to be introduced. The proportion of those in favor is particularly high among those over 65 (83%, %), but it remains largely in the majority among those aged 18-39 (60%, %). The social norm of vaping is, however, much more prevalent among the latter: more than six out of ten consider that "vaping in public is socially acceptable behavior," compared to around a quarter of those over 65.

Despite these differing opinions on social acceptability, the risks associated with vaping, particularly among young people, are recognized by all. Participants' comments expressed a strong desire to see more preventative measures implemented, with 85 % supporting the implementation of additional public health campaigns, particularly to protect young people.

The report states that " Addiction among young people is a concern, particularly for secondary school children who have access to e-cigarettes at school. […] Flavored e-cigarettes and colorful packaging are perceived as deliberately targeting children, and peer pressure is considered a contributing factor to this trend. […] There are calls for stricter enforcement of age verification and bans in schools aimed at restricting access to school-age children. »[5].

There is also support for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, including Switzerland is the latest country to ban themIn addition to health concerns, environmental concerns legitimize this type of ban. Moreover, prescription-only access to e-cigarettes to help people quit smoking is supported by the public.

Similarly, the population supports the measures proposed to reduce tobacco consumption: the increase in tobacco excise duty is supported by 65,133 respondents to the survey, again with stronger support among the older generation. Several residents interviewed by the Guernsey Press expressed support for these increases, including former smokers.

Additionally, around two-thirds of respondents supported a generational ban on the sale of tobacco and vaping products to anyone born since 2009. This "tobacco-free generations" goal is being adopted by England and is being considered by other governments.

Finally, the survey results highlighted the need to raise public awareness of smoking cessation aids: in each island, almost half of those surveyed said they did not know where to seek help if they or a loved one wanted to quit smoking or vaping.

Overall, the survey highlights a clear public desire for stronger interventions, particularly focused on young people, and for better access to cessation resources.

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1]Andy Brown, Backing even from smokers and vapors, Guernsey Press, published October 8, 2025, accessed the same day

[2]Guernsey Press, Tax on vape liquid is set to double the cost of refills, published October 7, 2025, accessed October 8, 2025

[3]Juliette Pouteaux, P&R wants a 13.3% increase on tobacco, Guernsey Press, published 7 October 2025, accessed 8 October 2025

[4]Sue Fitzgerald, Islanders support stronger measures to curb youth vaping, survey finds, Channel Eye, published October 8, 2025, accessed the same day

[5]James Campbell, Young people in Isle of Man less concerned about vaping than older people, survey shows, Isle of Man Today, published October 8, 2025, accessed the same day

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