The NSW Government has announced new laws to tackle the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco, drawing support from Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan, who has been advocating for stronger action.
The move follows a push by the NSW Opposition, who recently introduced a Bill aimed at making New South Wales the most difficult place in the country to sell illicit vaping and tobacco products.
Mr Moylan welcomed the government’s response, saying the reforms are long overdue.
“Our regional communities have been calling for change on the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco for months and now the Government is finally taking action,” he said.
“These illegal shops run by criminals have moved into empty shops in our towns and have made these addictive, destructive and harmful products readily available, particularly for young people.”
“There’s no regulation, no receipts, no consequences, and no accountability. It has gone on long enough and our communities deserve better.”
The new laws introduce tough penalties and stronger enforcement powers, including:
- A new offence for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco, with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and up to 7 years in prison.
- New penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco, also carrying a maximum $1.5 million fine and 7 years’ imprisonment.
- Closure orders for businesses selling illicit products — short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months).
- Offences and penalties for breaching closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from them.
- Lease termination powers for landlords if a closure order is in place.
- New offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, or attempting to recover seized goods.
