Nine NSW Retailers Shut in Hunter Tobacco, Vape Blitz
Nine NSW retailers were closed for 90 days in a crackdown on illicit tobacco and vapes in Tamworth and Gunnedah.Summary
Eight retailers in Tamworth and Gunnedah were shut down for 90 days as part of a targeted operation to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vaping products in the Hunter New England region. Six retailers were closed in Tamworth (five on Peel Street and one on Brisbane Street), and two in Gunnedah on Conadilly Street. During the closure orders on Tuesday 29 September, NSW Health inspectors, supported by NSW Police, seized over 250,000 illicit cigarettes, 51kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 2,900 illicit vapes, and 2,500 other illicit nicotine products. NSW Health and NSW Police actively monitor premises and will pursue further enforcement, including prosecution, for breaches. Since new powers came into effect in November 2025, NSW Health has issued 475 short-term closure orders, with 146 in force as of 25 September. A new offence introduced on 1 July 2026 targets commercial lessors who knowingly permit premises to be used for selling illicit tobacco or vaping goods. The Act allows lessors to terminate a retail shop lease if a closure order is issued, with at least 28 days' notice. Minister for Health Ryan Park, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, and NSW Police Criminal Organisations Director Detective Chief Superintendent Grant Taylor emphasized the government's tough stance, including prison sentences of up to 7 years, fines over $1.5 million, a tobacco licensing scheme, and penalties for landlords who knowingly permit illicit sales.
(Source：Mirage News)
