Georgia Weighs Higher Tobacco Taxes, Vape Flavor Restrictions, and Shop Fees
A bipartisan committee in the Georgia House of Representatives is reviewing potential measures to tighten control over smoking and vaping, with a cigarette tax hike emerging as the central proposal. At present, Georgia charges 37 cents per pack — the second-lowest cigarette tax in the U.S., well below the $1.97 national average.
Although tax increases are often politically sensitive, especially in an election year, Rep. Ron Stephens noted that looming federal budget cuts could make lawmakers more open to raising tobacco-related taxes. The package of proposals, set for a 2026 vote, also includes additional regulatory measures: mandatory ingredient disclosures on vape packaging, prohibitions on certain flavored products aimed at reducing youth consumption, and a steep increase in the state’s $10 vape shop licensing fee, a move designed to shrink the number of outlets.
These discussions highlight a mounting effort in Georgia to pursue tougher regulations on both tobacco and vaping products.
