Overview
- The proposed offence would penalise commercial landlords who knowingly permit illegal tobacco or vape trading with up to one year in prison, a $165,000 fine, or both.
- Inspectors last week shut two St Leonards stores under new powers allowing closures of up to 90 days and court orders up to 12 months, with landlords able to terminate leases where orders apply.
- NSW Health reports more than 11.8 million cigarettes, over 2,000kg of other illicit tobacco and about 170,000 illegal vaping goods seized this year, with court fines totaling roughly $600,000.
- The crackdown also introduces an offence for possessing a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco, carrying up to seven years’ jail and fines exceeding $1.5 million, and a licensing scheme requiring retailers to display a valid licence.
- More than 40 inspectors are targeting outlets across metropolitan and regional areas including North Sydney and Newcastle, as state leaders press for federal excise changes that Treasurer Jim Chalmers has rejected.