Alcohol price hike and smoke-free rules suggested
Jonathan Brady/PA WireHealth experts are recommending increasing alcohol prices and introducing smoke-free legislation, with age-related sales ban and restrictions on smoking in some outdoor public places.
Other suggestions in Guernsey and Alderney's substance use strategy for 2027-2032 include new regulations to prevent young people buying nicotine and CBD (cannabidiol) products.
They are a part of a package designed to cut harm caused by alcohol, drugs, tobacco, nicotine products and "emerging substances of concern", proposers said.
The strategy also suggested increasing tobacco duty by 5% above the retail prices index each year, with annual increases for vaping liquid too and alcohol marketing rules toughened.
About 10% of deaths of people aged over 35 between 2022 and 2024 were caused by smoking tobacco, the report said.
Alcohol is blamed for 10 deaths a year on Guernsey, with a quarter of people admitting drinking more than the recommended maximum 14 units of alcohol a week, according to the report.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said the normalisation of drinking was a cause of concern.
She said: "Alcohol remains the substance causing the greatest harm locally, contributing to significant impacts on health and wellbeing."
Another proposal is clamping down on the permitted level of alcohol in the blood when driving.
Brink also said the "normalisation of cannabis use is a significant concern".
The strategy proposes tightening up the regulation of prescribing clinics and ways to report any concerns about cannabis use.
The report also suggested banning the sale of high-level caffeine drinks and products to under-16s.
Andrea Nightingale, the Health Improvement Commission's substance use lead, said the strategy balanced "prevention to create healthier environments" and services providing "effective early-advice and ongoing support" for people struggling with substance use and abuse.
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