'Progress' made but 'momentum' needed in reducing substance abuse in Guernsey

Alcohol has been identified as causing the greatest harm locally and campaigns continue to work towards reducing youth vaping.

The Combined Substance Use Strategy outlines public health's action to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, vapes, and drugs in Guernsey and Alderney.

Vaping

It says protecting children and young people remains central to the Strategy. Its 2025 report highlights a response to concerns about the wide use of vapes among this demographic and the unknown long-term harms.

QuitVape, delivered in partnership with Action for Children and the School Nursing Team, is providing tailored support for young people who wish to cut down or stop vaping, in tiers.

In legislation, the ban on the sale and supply of vape products to under-18s came into effect on 1 June 2025, and the ban on disposable vapes on 31 January 2026.

The report says this represents 'important milestones.'

It says these measures, together with new advertising and display restrictions from 31 March 2026, have reduced the availability and appeal of vapes to children and young people.

Alcohol

A Joint Strategic Needs Assessment in 2025 clearly identified alcohol as the substance causing the greatest harm locally, resulting in 138 years of life lost and 61 working years of life lost annually between 2022 and 2024.

The 2026 Annual Budget, presented by the Policy & Resources Committee proposed an increase in alcohol duty rates for 2026 and was approved by the States of Deliberation.

In addition to a duty increase, consideration has been given to the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing, which would set a floor value below which a unit of alcohol cannot be sold.

Public awareness campaigns on drink driving and lowering alcohol consumption have been island-wide. 

Tobacco 

Published in 2025, the ‘Clearing the Air’ public consultation conducted by the Health Improvement Commission demonstrated strong community support for further tobacco control policy measures, including increasing the legal age of sale of tobacco and extending smoke-free environments.

The public consultation also demonstrated strong support for smoke-free dining areas, with 65% of respondents in support of banning of smoking in outdoor areas of cafes and restaurants.

The report says work continues with cafes and hospitality venues to expand smoke and vape-free outdoor eating spaces.

As the Strategy enters its final year, actions that are unlikely to be progressed or completed by the end of 2026 include banning multi-buys of alcohol, banning alcohol sponsorship at local sporting events, and a reduction in the legal alcohol limit for driving.