What Would a 95% Tax on Vapor Products Mean?

Recently, a proposed bill in Arizona aims to impose a 95% tax on vapor products.

This means that if the bill becomes law, the price of e-cigarettes will skyrocket, nearly doubling.

Some argue that with higher prices, it may deter children from using these products, as they cannot afford such high costs.

Caleb Willow, a former smoker who has switched to vaping, works at Butt Out Phoenix.

“We were the second store in the entire valley to sell vapor products,” he said.

Now, the SB1517 bill introduced by Juan Mendez will impose a 95% tax on the wholesale cost of vapor products. Previously, customers paid $20 for a bottle of e-liquid. If this tax becomes law, they will pay nearly $30.

“A 95% tax is outrageous and unnecessary,” he said. He believes this will severely hurt small businesses.

Willow stated that they strictly enforce age restrictions and do not market or sell e-cigarette products to children. However, he is concerned that the impact of this tax will be too harsh for their store.

“This will negatively affect our entire business model,” Willow said.

The SB1517 bill requires a two-thirds majority in the legislature to become law.

We have reached out for further information but have not received a response.