Cancer Council NSW has congratulated the New South Wales (NSW) government on its announcement of new, tougher laws designed to combat the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products. The measures include significantly stronger penalties, on-the-spot shop closure orders, and powers to terminate leases of non-compliant retailers.
Anita Dessaix, Director of Cancer Prevention and Advocacy at Cancer Council NSW, welcomed the efforts, stating, "Tobacco still remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in NSW. We support tough regulation on tobacco sales and welcome all efforts to stamp out those retailers doing the wrong thing."
The new measures, which complement the recently introduced NSW Tobacco licensing scheme, will see maximum penalties for the commercial possession and sale of illicit tobacco and vapes rise to over $1.5 million and up to seven years' imprisonment. The new closure powers are intended to send a clear message to illicit traders. The importance of enforcement was highlighted by NSW Health's seizure of over 90,000 illegal nicotine vapes, e-liquids, and pouches, valued at approximately $2.9 million, between January and June of this year.
"The sale of illegal tobacco undermines decades of public health progress... Two in three people who smoke will die from their addiction," explained Ms. Dessaix. She believes the licensing scheme, combined with strong penalties and expanded enforcement tools, will ensure retailers comply with regulations and prioritize public health. Cancer Council NSW looks forward to working with the government to implement these reforms.
