22 JULY 2019
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is joining opposition to possible regulations on the strength of nicotine vaping
liquid.
Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “The Government would certainly benefit from regulations on the
strength of vaping liquid. By making vaping less attractive than cigarettes, it will continue to receive strong excise
tax revenue streams from current smokers.”
“However, a crackdown on vape liquids would be terrible for the wallets and health of current smokers, many of whom are
on low incomes. This would deny smokers an opportunity to deliver themselves tax cuts and relative health benefits by
switching to vaping. In practice, this often starts with a higher-strength liquid to match the sensation of a
cigarette.”
“Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa will be under pressure from her Finance Minister to protect revenue streams, but
she has a responsibility to act in the interests of smokers’ health, not continue the Government’s addiction to
cigarette revenue.”
ENDS