Tougher penalties for illicit tobacco welcomed

The NSW Government has announced important reforms aimed at tackling illegal tobacco sales, including a new licensing scheme for retailers, enhanced penalties for offenders and an increase in enforcement personnel. 

NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont welcomed stronger enforcement against illegal tobacco sales following an increasing number of complaints about unfair and illicit trade to the NSW Small Business Commission.

Corporations face fines up to $220,000 and $44,000 for individuals for selling tobacco without a license alongside additional enforcement resources. These reforms align with the Commission’s recent submissions made to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry which advocated for coordinated enforcement against illegal tobacco sales. 

“I have advocated for stronger enforcement and penalties on behalf of businesses unable to compete with untaxed and non-compliant tobacco products,” said Lamont. “Stronger enforcement and penalties are needed to support those businesses that play by the rules and help safeguard our communities from the dangers of illegal tobacco sales.”

Information about the changes can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20241024_00.aspx

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected breaches of tobacco and e-cigarette retailing laws on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-know-reports-complaints.aspx .