Eight illegal tobacco and vape stores have been shut down in a little over a week across Sydney and Newcastle, as the state government moves to crack down on enforcement.
Last week, two stores on the north shore were the first to be closed under new tobacco retailing laws that came into effect early this month.
Health Minister Ryan Park told 2GB another six stores in Sydney’s north and the greater Newcastle area have been targeted.
A notice on the front of one of the tobacco stores announcing its closure under the government’s orders. (Supplied)
“There are people that we will continue to hold to account,” he said.
“People are doing the wrong thing. It’s my intention and the government’s intention to do what we can to reduce the prevalence of these stores. They are causing a scourge across the community.”
Under the new laws, NSW Health can issue orders that demand tobacco and vape stores found to be selling illegal products are unable to operate for 90 days up to 12 months.
Anyone who continues to sell products from the premises will face significant penalties.
Retailers who sell or anyone who has a commercial quantity of illegal tobacco are facing a $1.54 million fine and/or seven years in jail – some of the highest penalties across any state or territory.
Park said there will be more shutdowns in the coming days and weeks in a rolling state-wide operation targeting illegal stores.
NSW Health is working with NSW Police to issue closure orders to take immediate action against businesses selling illegal tobacco. (NSW government/supplied)
“I’ve made it clear that people have had enough warning, they’ve had enough time to stop doing this and change their business model,” he said.
“The time for talk is over. We are now moving forward with the enforcement.”
NSW Health is working with NSW Police to issue closure orders to take immediate action against businesses selling illegal tobacco.
The state government will today also introduce new legislation in parliament to punish landlords who turn a blind eye to tenants selling black market items.
They could face $165,000 in fines and jail time under the proposal.
The state government is hoping these laws will pass parliament by next week.