Smoke taxes driving people towards black market – and smoking rates up
June 18, 2024 by theage.com.au
Smoke taxes driving people towards black market – and smoking rates up
Smoking and vaping rates have risen during the pandemic due to illegal cigarettes and high taxes, as seen in Victoria. Legalizing vapes may reduce the illegal market, but not illegal cigarette sales. Data from Cancer Council Victoria highlights a surge in smoking, vaping, and dual use. The black market thrives on price gaps caused by tobacco excise taxes.
13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR