Vape store owners in the province aren’t thrilled after Saskatchewan introduced a new tax on vape products in its 2021-22 budget Tuesday.
The vapour products tax (VPT) is a 20 per cent tax on the retail price of all vapour liquids, products and devices effective Sept. 1.
As of that date, the province said only retailers with a VDT licence are allowed to sell those products.
“It wasn’t a surprise. We kind of expected it to happen based on other provinces implementing a similar tax,” said Mike Smider, Queen City Vapes owner in Regina.
“It was only a matter of time before other provinces followed suit, like Alberta is getting their tax. Manitoba’s going to get one as well.”
He said the most upsetting part of the tax is the impact it will have on those choosing to use vape products over tobacco.
“It will deter in some way folks that are interested in this product to utilize as a harm reduction product,” Smider said.
Jonathan Guignard – Global News – 2021-04-07.