RETAILERS ON NOTICE AS NEW NSW TOBACCO LAWS TAKE EFFECT

The three-month grace period for NSW retailers and wholesalers to apply for a licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products is over.

All retailers must now hold a valid tobacco licence and display it at the point of sale.

Those who continue selling products without a licence will face penalties.

Retailers or wholesalers who submitted an application by 1 October 2025 can continue trading until notified of the outcome.

The government has also passed the Tobacco Legislation (Closure Orders) Amendment Act 2025, increasing penalties for unlicensed sales and illicit tobacco activity.

Maximum penalties rise to $660,000 for individuals and $880,000 for corporations.

The Act allows closure orders of up to 12 months for premises selling illegal tobacco or vaping products and introduces new offences for commercial possession and sale of illicit tobacco, with penalties of up to $1.54 million, seven years’ imprisonment, or both.

Ryan Park, Minister for Health, said the previous Liberal Government failed to implement a tobacco licensing scheme, leaving NSW the last state in the country to do so and leaving the state behind the ball in illegal tobacco enforcement.

“It’s for this reason we’re introducing a long overdue tobacco licensing scheme, to help us better identify illegal tobacconists.

My message to those doing the wrong thing is that sooner or later, we will come for you.

The Minns Labor Government is determined to protect the community from the impacts of tobacco and vapes.”

Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, said the Tobacco Licensing Scheme gives a better oversight of retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco to ensure they are doing the right thing and to take appropriate action if they are not.

“Tobacco use remains one of the biggest factors in premature death.

I acknowledge it’s not easy, but I encourage anyone who smokes to think about quitting for themselves and for their loved ones.”

Businesses can apply for a licence online via MyServiceNSW or get support through the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

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