Islanders deem smoking and vaping outside unacceptable

Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 09:00

More than half of the people in Jersey do not think smoking and vaping outside in public is socially acceptable.

A survey shows that 51% of islanders surveyed think it is unacceptable to vape in public outside, and 55% of islanders think the same about smoking.

The poll of more than 1300 adults, conducted by Island Global Research, also found three quarters agreed it is inappropriate to vape inside public buildings.

Almost 3 in 5 islanders think its ok to vape in a private home, falling to just under half when it comes to smoking.

The majority of islanders think negatively of the habit, with concerns ranging from the health impacts, the cost to the health service, and environmental damage, such as litter.

The responses suggest people feel more strongly about tackling e-cigarette use than traditional tobacco.

When asked about the future of vaping, 91% of islanders said they would support schools preventing people from vaping on their grounds and around 85% support more public health campaigns about the habits, targeted at young people.

Almost two thirds of people agree with the idea of phasing out smoking and vaping by banning people more in 2009 or later from being able to buy the products.

The survey also found the majority support measures including higher vape/tobacco taxes as well as tighter advertising rules, display restrictions, plain packaging and a ban on flavours.

A new vape duty is expected to be agreed by Jersey's parliament in the 2026 Budget.