NEWS
Vaping in
ALASKA
One thing that is sure to annoy vapers is
just lumping them in with smokers and
treating them exactly the same.
Another thing which annoys vapers is
penalising them for doing something
which is arguably far less harmful
to health than smoking traditional
cigarettes.
At the time of writing there is much anger
and controversy in Alaska over the way
vapers are being treated.
For example there is a move by Alaska
Governor Bill Walker which would see
the imposition of a 100% wholesale tax
on all vapor products as part of proposed
new budget proposals.
Such a massive tax hike would
double the cost of all vaping devices,
components, and e-liquids in the State of
Alaska.
While it is clear that the governor may
need to find new sources of tax revenue,
members of the vaping community are
saying that this measure is unfair and
unjustified.
Members of the vaping community in
Alaska are being asked to demonstrate
14 VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE USA
their opposition to the proposed tax hike
contacting local politicians to make their
views known.
Vaping advocacy group CASAA - The
Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free
Alternatives Association - is encouraging
its members and the wider vaping
“This tax would
double the cost
of all devices,
components, and
e-liquids in the
State of Alaska.”
community to oppose the move.
It said: “Alaska Governor Bill Walker’s
budget proposal w ould destroy the
vapor industry in Alaska by imposing an
enormous 100% wholesale tax on all
vapor products.
“This tax would double the cost of all
devices, components, and e-liquids
in the State of Alaska. Gov. Walker’s
budget would also increase the tax on
smoke-free tobacco products like snus
from 75% to 100% of wholesale.
“It is vital that Alaska vapers take action
NOW to oppose these bills.”
It went on: “CASAA has been told that a
significant number of Alaskan legislators
believe that the vapor market has been
taken over by “Big Tobacco.” They
believe that this tax will have little impact
on the diversity of products available to
Alaska consumers.
“A strong and respectful showing by
common, everyday vapers in opposition
to this tax could go a long way to
educating them about the impact this tax
would have on Alaskan consumers and
small businesses.”