Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White has applauded the introduction of tobacco retailing laws in New South Wales which have already resulted in the closure of businesses selling illicit tobacco in the Shoalhaven.
The NSW Government legislation came into effect on 3 November, giving NSW Health the power to issue closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, or illegal vaping goods, or other smoking products without a valid licence.
Cr White said she was also pleased to see the introduction of tough penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and fines of $1.54 million, for a range of tobacco retailing offences.
“The sale of illegal tobacco is a public safety crisis, and we’ve already seen the industry have an impact on our community. These products fund organised crime, fuel violence, and put lives at risk,” she said.
“These new laws aim to equip authorities with the necessary powers to dismantle these operations and safeguard our community,” she said.
“Councils have carried the burden of this industry for too long and while these laws are overdue, I thank the NSW Government for their work to address this issue. I’d also like to urge residents to report any suspicious activity or sales in the Shoalhaven to NSW Health.”
Ten illicit tobacco businesses in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Riverina regions have already been shut down following the introduction of the new laws.
Some key aspects of the legislation include:
- mandating a tobacco retail licence for all retailers selling tobacco products or non-tobacco smoking products
- banning the sale of tobacco products and non-tobacco smoking products to anyone under 18
- banning the display of tobacco products, non-tobacco smoking products, and smoking accessories in shops
- ensuring all tobacco sold is packaged with appropriate regulatory health warnings
- allowing only a single point of sale for tobacco products, non-tobacco smoking products, and smoking accessories in retail outlets
- restricting tobacco vending machines to licensed venues restricted to over 18s.
