INDYNR.COM
Seven retailers across Lismore and Casino have been ordered to close for 90 days following targeted operations this week, led by NSW Health with the assistance of NSW Police, to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The closure orders were issued on Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4, after NSW Health inspectors found and seized more than 857,000 illicit cigarettes, about 87.75kg of loose-leaf tobacco and 3600 illicit vapes, with an estimated combined street value of $1million.
Closure orders can be issued to retail premises for selling illicit tobacco or illicit vaping goods, or for selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence.
NSW Health inspectors have issued 523 short term closure orders since the powers came into effect in November last year.
On July 1, the State Government also introduced a new offence under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for commercial landlords who knowingly permit their premises to be used for the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping goods.
The offence targets landlords who are aware their tenants are selling illicit tobacco or vaping goods and who allow the activity to continue.
Under the Act, a landlord can terminate a retail shop lease if the premises is subject to a closure order by giving the tenant at least 28 days’ notice.
The State Government’s crackdown on illicit tobacco also includes:
- offences for possessing a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco, with a maximum penalty of more than $1.5 million, seven years’ imprisonment, or both
- offences for selling illicit tobacco, with a maximum penalty of more than $1.5 million, seven years’ imprisonment, or both
- short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco or illicit vaping goods, or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence
- offences and penalties for breaching closure orders, including entering closed premises or selling products from them
- lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place
- what the government describes as nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, and attempting to retake seized products.