Authorities in Australia’s New South Wales have closed 105 tobacconist shops operating illegally since strengthened tobacco and vaping laws took effect in November 2025. In the past 10 days alone, 30 stores across multiple Local Health Districts were ordered to close for 90 days, with inspectors seizing about 700,000 illicit cigarettes and 3,900 illegal vapes. This comes as a federal tobacco excise increase takes effect today (March 3), raising concerns about a widening price gap between legal and illicit products.
Under the new laws, NSW Health, supported by NSW Police, can impose 90-day closures on premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or operating without a license, while courts may issue long-term closures of up to one year. The legislation also introduces penalties of more than A$1.5 million ($1.1 million) and up to seven years’ imprisonment for possession or sale of commercial quantities of illicit tobacco, along with new offences and lease termination powers for landlords. Health Minister Ryan Park said enforcement would intensify with 30 additional inspectors added statewide, bringing the dedicated tobacco compliance team to 78 staff.