In a decisive move against the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products, Health Minister Ryan Park announced today the closure of two shops in St Leonards. This action marks the first use of new governmental powers designed to combat illegal sales in the area.
A notice displayed prominently on one of the shopfronts, as captured in a photo shared with 9news.com.au, indicated that the closure is set to last until February 2, 2026. This follows the discovery and confiscation of nearly 4,000 illicit cigarettes and 224 unauthorized vapes during recent inspections.
The initial closure order, effective for 90 days, could be extended to as long as a year if further investigations by local courts reveal more extensive violations of the law.
Minister Park emphasized that this measure is just the beginning of a comprehensive initiative aimed at curbing the illegal tobacco market 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 stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter regulations.
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.”
