Daily London
Minister for Health Ryan Park announced this morning two stores in St Leonards were shut down after the government applied new powers that allow them to shut down stores suspected of selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
In an image sent to 9news.com.au, a paper notice on the front of one of the stores stated the closure would last until February 2, 2026.
Inspectors seized nearly 4000 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes during searches on the two shops, with the government subsequently issuing a closure order.
These last for 90 days, with the local court being able to make a long-term closure of up to a year if investigators find a larger-scale breach has occurred.
Park hinted this was just the beginning of a longer and sustained program that the government hopes will tackle the illicit tobacco trade in Sydney.
“We have begun raiding and temporarily shutting down a number of shopfronts suspected of not complying with our tough new tobacco and vaping laws,” he said.
“This will take some time as we ramp up our closure activities, but this is just the beginning. More will follow in the coming days, weeks and months.”
As well as targeted raids on stores involved in the illicit tobacco trade, greater fines and penalties will now be given to people and companies who fall foul of the law.
Fines have now increased to a maximum of $660,000 for individuals and $880,000 for a corporation if caught selling tobacco without a licence.
For those found to be in commercial possession of illicit tobacco, the fine could reach $1.54 million, or an individual could face up to seven years imprisonment.
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant insists the measures are meant to protect the health and safety of people in New South Wales.
“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community,” she said.
“The new closure powers are another key tool to ensure we act swiftly and gain stronger oversight of the illicit tobacco and illegal trade to help protect public health.”
