Smoke-Free Generation by 2040, Cigarette Prices Surge
Smoke-Free Generation by 2040, Cigarette Prices Surge
The prices of cigarettes have increased to accommodate the gradual tobacco ban in the Netherlands
The price of a packet of 20 cigarettes went up by almost a euro on Monday to around €11.10 as a part of further government moves to discourage smoking.
Similarly, a packet of rolling tobacco went up by €3.60 to around €24, and further increases are expected. Tax on cigarettes now amounts to around € 7.81 per pack, according to finance ministry figures.
The Advisory Division of the Council of State has been taking efforts towards banning tobacco and tobacco products. Their latest decision prohibits sales of cigarettes and smoking alternatives from supermarkets and restaurants, and many of them have run out of stock, without plans to replenish supplies.
Currently, there are 6400 supermarkets in the Netherlands allowed to sell tobacco products. It will change in July 2024, when the new law becomes applicable. The government already predicts that around 800 of these shops will create alternative outlets to compensate for the loss, but it is unknown what actions will be taken to limit this type of behaviour.
A study conducted by Maastricht University revealed that smoking only becomes an issue for smokers when prices experience a substantial increase, with approximately 50% saying they would consider quitting only if the price per pack reached €60.
Researchers further suggest that although the cost of cigarettes has increased steadily over time, so have wages, resulting in tobacco products becoming only marginally more expensive.
Some 20% of the Dutch population smoke regularly but the government set a target in 2018 of ensuring just 5% do so by 2040.
Supermarket giant – Albert Heijn – rushed with the implementation of that law. They withdrew the sales of cigarettes and tobacco products entirely from the 31 of January. So far it doesn’t look like the company is going to renew the sales any time soon.
If you're a supermarket owner intending to continue selling cigarettes after July 1, 2024, you will need to obtain a special registration. As of today, the specifics of the registration process have not been finalised. Additionally, there is a proposal suggesting a restriction on the number of products allowed to be sold, although it has not been confirmed yet.