The rise in tobacco prices has gone unnoticed in Switzerland

The law on tobacco products will see some changes from October 1, including price increases. How do customers and merchants perceive these increases? Are they only applied? We went to look at kiosks in Lausanne.

Since Tuesday, October 1, the new law on tobacco products has come into force. Among the changes, we can cite the ban on advertising, the free distribution of tobacco-related products, a ban on the sale of any product to minors at the Swiss level (until now, the measure was cantonal)… And , a point that undoubtedly affects consumers most directly: an increase in prices for refills for e-cigarettes, as well as disposable electronic cigarettes.

Are points of sale actually implementing these changes? I went to check in kiosks and stores in Lausanne, focusing in particular on the price increases for disposable e-cigarettes, these melon, peach, kiwi and blueberry “puffs” that young people love. . And it is clear that there is a problem…

No intention to change prices

In downtown Lausanne, around the editorial office of watsonI go to a first kiosk. Here, not only has nothing changed, but the man behind the cash register does not seem to be aware that a change in the law came into force today. He tells me, when I ask him if there has been an increase in prices, that no, and that it will stay that way.

However, he explains to me that he only orders the “600 puffs”, because those from which you can suck 9000, 12,000, even 15,000 puffs are prohibited. “At least, it seems to me,” he says. For certainties, we will come back.

I continue with Coop Caroline, where a saleswoman explains to me that she is not aware of an increase.

In another kiosk in the neighborhood, I am told that there has been no change, and that my information is surely incorrect. However, this is indeed the law on tobacco products and the ordinance of the same name which entered into force on October 1, 2024.

At the exit of this point of sale, a customer calls out to me. “Is it true that prices will increase? Are you sure? Shit, I’ll quickly stock up then!” Mmmhh. Minus 20 karma points for me, that. I swear I didn’t want to push anyone into consumption.

An increase only for the trader?

I continue my wanderings in the center of the Vaudois capital and come across a kiosk manager who has heard about certain changes… But who thought that October 1 was tomorrow. According to him, what will change is the ban on large disposable puffs, those with more than 800 puffs. And will the small ones be taxed more?

Going towards Flon, I try a fifth point of sale, part of a large chain of kiosks. And there, victory! They are indeed aware of certain changes. They explain to me that they no longer have the right to advertise promotions… But the loophole has already been found.

From now on, the 5 packs for 4 offers are over. Instead, we find small posters selling “4 packets for 4.50 francs”, knowing that the packet is, individually, sold for 6 francs.

What about the increase in the price of puffs? Hmm, nothing. Strange, given that it is not a small neighborhood kiosk, but a chain, which has indeed warned its branches of certain changes, but clearly not of all the changes.

The lastit’s the right one

In front of the establishment, I start a discussion with some puff smokers. Would an increase in price be a hindrance for them?

Her friend is less affirmative. “This might be an opportunity to stop. I should never have started, because it’s really good… And it already costs too much, in reality I can’t afford it,” she sighs. She has a small job on Saturdays alongside her classes. “It’s a big hole in the budget, this thing.”

On the way back to the editorial office, I stop at one last kiosk. With little hope. I ask the merchant, and there…

He also shows me that the price is printed on most of the packaging, and that he does not have the right to sell more than the price indicated, which is similar to the explanation of the Coop saleswoman. So for now, its prices remain unchanged. “And if ever, I’m doing a great promotion on large disposable e-cigarettes, to liquidate them,” he tells me. To see the law actually applied, I think we will come back.

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