Australia: NSW Cracks Down on Illegal Vapes with Jail Time & Evictions

New Laws to Introduce Jail Time, Hefty Fines, and Forced Shop Closures

The New South Wales (NSW) government is set to introduce some of the nation’s toughest laws to combat Sydney’s booming illicit cigarette and vape trade. The new legislation, to be introduced when parliament resumes next month, will include potential prison terms of up to seven years and massive fines for illegal tobacco sellers.

Health Minister Ryan Park described the changes as the “toughest in the country,” aimed at “breaking up the business model” of criminal gangs who, according to Australian Border Force estimates, control about three-quarters of the illegal tobacco trade. The new laws will introduce maximum penalties of $1.5 million and seven years’ imprisonment for the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, with similar penalties for possessing commercial quantities.

A key feature of the crackdown is new powers for NSW Health to issue short-term closure orders on non-compliant businesses for 90 days, extendable to 12 months with a court order. Landlords will also be empowered to terminate leases when these closure orders are in place, and the government is consulting on making it an offense for landlords to knowingly lease to illegal tobacco and vape suppliers.

This move comes amid growing community concern, with reports indicating there are roughly 60 tobacconists for every McDonald’s restaurant in Sydney. While Premier Chris Minns has previously called on the federal government to reduce tobacco excise to combat the black market, Health Minister Park stated he doesn’t have the “time or patience” to wait for federal action. The opposition has also called for tougher sanctions, with Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane stating, “We can’t allow another generation to be targeted by criminal operators selling cheap, addictive poison.”

• News source: Jail time and evictions: Labor announces crackdown on illegal tobacco

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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