NSW Health Closes 10 Retailers as State Illicit Tobacco Enforcements Near 500

Ten retailers across New South Wales were shut down last week following joint enforcement operations by NSW Health and NSW Police, bringing the total number of temporary retail closures across the state close to 500 since new regulatory powers took effect.

The operations focused heavily on south western Sydney, where eight premises were shut down for 90 days across Tahmoor, The Oaks, Camden, and Campbelltown to disrupt the distribution of illicit tobacco and vaping products.

During the execution of closure orders on Tuesday 6 October and Wednesday 7 October, inspectors and police officers seized more than 420,000 illicit cigarettes, roughly 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, and over 4,000 illegal vapes. Authorities estimated the combined street value of the confiscated goods at more than $600,000.

Among the targeted sites, authorities uncovered a premises in Campbelltown operating as a "drive-through" style tobacconist that sold unlawful goods via a laneway service window. NSW Health stated the case has been referred to local council compliance officers to investigate potential breaches of planning legislation. Further investigations are underway, and authorities noted that additional enforcement and prosecution may follow.

According to NSW Health, 493 short-term closure orders have been issued since the expanded enforcement powers commenced in November 2025, with 137 orders actively in force as of 8 October. Closure orders can be applied to businesses selling illicit tobacco or vaping products, or those operating without a valid retail licence.

Since 1 January 2026, state authorities report seizing over 15 million illicit cigarettes, approximately 2.4 tonnes of illicit tobacco, and more than 154,000 vapes.

Under legislative updates that took effect on 1 July 2026 under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008, commercial lessors face penalties if they knowingly permit their premises to be used for the sale of illicit tobacco or vaping items. The law also permits commercial landlords to terminate retail leases with at least 28 days' notice if the premises are subjected to a closure order.

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