New South Wales has established a dedicated task force to address the state’s growing black market for illegal tobacco and vaping products.
The Minns Government has confirmed that the new unit will bring together representatives from NSW Police, Health, Fair Trading, Liquor & Gaming, and the Department of Communities and Justice. This multi-agency team is responsible for improving compliance, strengthening enforcement, and overseeing the new tobacco licensing scheme, which took effect on July 1.
The taskforce was launched in response to increasing reports of illicit cigarette sales across Sydney, including cut-price packs being sold in plain sight of government buildings. Investigations have also revealed significant enforcement challenges, including overstretched resources, with some officers covering vast regions alone.
The newly introduced licensing system marks a major shift in how tobacco products are regulated in NSW. All retailers and wholesalers are now required to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco or vaping products. Applications will be assessed against strict criteria, with individuals who have criminal records at risk of being denied a licence. The government sees this as a necessary step to regain control over a sector that has seen a surge in non-compliant operators.
In the last five years, the number of businesses registered to sell tobacco in NSW has jumped from 15,000 to 20,000. The new licensing system aims to better track these operators and remove illegitimate sellers from the market. It also allows for greater scrutiny of business ownership and trading practices.
Enforcement will be a major focus for the task force. Authorities are shifting from education and awareness campaigns towards taking direct legal action against offenders. This includes prosecuting those who continue to operate without a licence or who are caught selling illegal tobacco or vape products.
The NSW Government has also expressed interest in a legislative proposal from the Opposition that seeks to increase penalties for those who break the law. The proposed bill includes powers to temporarily close down offending businesses and gives landlords the right to evict tenants involved in illegal sales.
This move reflects a broader, bipartisan consensus that the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products has become a serious issue. Unregulated products pose health risks to consumers and undercut legitimate businesses doing the right thing. The taskforce will aim to support law enforcement efforts while also ensuring that compliant retailers are protected.
With these combined efforts, licensing, tougher penalties, and inter-agency coordination, NSW is positioning itself to get ahead of a growing black market and take stronger control over how tobacco and vape products are sold across the state.
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