By Cancer Council NSW Cancer Council NSW congratulates NSW Government on tough new measures for illegal tobacco
By Cancer Council NSW Cancer Council NSW congratulates the NSW Government on The announcement of new, tougher laws to get on top of illegal tobacco including stronger penalties, on the spot closure orders and lease termination powers.
Director of Cancer Prevention and Advocacy at Cancer Council NSW, Anita Dessaix says tobacco still remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in NSW, “We support tough regulation on tobacco sales and welcome all efforts to stamp out those retailers doing the wrong thing.”
The tough new measures complement the recently introduced NSW Tobacco licensing scheme and include stronger penalties with new offences for the commercial possession and sale of illicit tobacco to carry maximum penalties of over $1.5million and up to seven years imprisonment with expanded enforcement tools to target those who are falsely claiming to be licensed. In addition, new closure powers will send a clear message that those who are still selling illegal tobacco will risk short or long-term closure of premises.
Between January and June this year, NSW Health conducted over 700 inspections, seizing more than 90,000 nicotine vapes, e-liquids and pouches valued at approximately $2.9million, re-emphasising the importance of these enforcements.
“The sale of illegal tobacco undermines decades of public health progress. Two in three people who smoke will die from their addiction to tobacco products which is why we must do everything in our power to drive down smoking rates and support people who smoke to quit,” explains Ms Dessaix, “This retail licensing scheme along with strong penalties and expanded enforcement tools will ensure retailers are plating by the rules and that public health remains the priority.”
Cancer Council NSW supports all efforts to tackle illegal tobacco and protect the community from the harms of smoking. Now, Government regulators are equipped to act quickly and effectively so they can do their jobs and keep the community safe.
“We look forward to working with the Government to support the implementation of all reforms that reduce the burden of tobacco in our communities.
Media contact: Claudia Bernardi | PR & Communications Specialist, Cancer Council NSW
Email: Claudia.Bernardi@nswcc.org.au
PH: 0422 571 005
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