The NSW Government has announced a series of tough new reforms aimed at cracking down on the illicit tobacco trade.

Reforms include stricter penalties, a dedicated team of enforcement officers, and a new licensing system for tobacco retailers.

While these measures mark an important step forward, police in the Western Plains suggest that tobacco sales are not the primary concern in the region.

"We don’t really have problems with illegal tobacco sales," Superintendent Gerard Lawson said.

"Vaping is a far bigger issue in our area."

Vapes have also been under the scrutiny of the law and as of July 1, 2024, restrictions were introduced in NSW limiting the sale of vapes and vaping products solely to pharmacies, to assist people in quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence.

Under this law, businesses such as tobacconists, vape shops, and convenience stores are prohibited from selling any type of vape or vape product.

Enforcement officers are now on alert for illegal sales in these establishments, but local tobacco retailers contacted by the Western Plains App declined to comment on vapes or the new tobaccos licensing reforms.

License system introduced

The new licensing scheme will require all retailers and wholesalers of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products to hold a tobacco license, which entails an annual fee. Licenses can be denied or revoked if the applicant has a history of tobacco or vaping-related offences.

Under the new guidelines, individuals who sell tobacco products to minors face hefty fines of up to $22,000 for a first offence and up to $110,000 for repeat offences. Corporations could face penalties of up to $110,000 for a first offence and up to $220,000 for subsequent violations.

The measures have received support from health organisations, including the Cancer Council NSW, with Director of Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Anita Dessaix applauding the government’s commitment.

"We commend this announcement from the NSW Government, on what has been a long-standing policy ask from Cancer Council NSW," she said.

Ms Dessaix further emphasised the need for retailers to consider the implications of selling a product that remains the leading preventable cause of death and disability in NSW.

“For low volume tobacco retailers, and those retailers that don’t consider tobacco sales to be important for their business, we hope today’s announcement prompts retailers to think twice about selling a product that if used as intended – kills,” she said.

There have been no licensed tobacco growers in Australia since 2006 but plenty of illegal crops have been discovered during dedicated investigations.

Dr. Kerry Chant, NSW Health Chief Health Officer, also highlighted the importance of the new licensing scheme.

"Operating a tobacco licensing scheme will ensure NSW Health has accurate, up-to-date information on tobacco retailing and wholesaling activities in NSW, facilitating more efficient and effective enforcement activity," Dr. Chant stated.

Alarmingly From 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024, NSW Health inspectors conducted 565 targeted retail inspections, seizing more than 3.2 million cigarettes and over 600kg of other illicit tobacco products, with an estimated value of over $3.7 million.

There have been no licensed tobacco growers in Australia since 2006, yet one illegal tobacco crop was found reasonably close to home on a property in Murga, approximately 55km east of Parkes where police seized and destroyed approximately 16 tonnes of illicit tobacco worth more than $28 million in April last year.

Despite the focus on tobacco control and an across-the-board upsurge of illegal tobacco sales in rural areas, Superintendent Lawson said he had experienced few issues locally.

“We don’t really have dedicated tobacco shops in our area, and all in all there hasn’t been any big issues, which is pleasing. Of course, if we do become aware of any illegal happenings with tobacco, vapes, or anything else, we will certainly be following it up.”