Australia: Queensland Introduces Tough New Laws Targeting Illegal Vape Sales

Queensland, Australia, is escalating its war on illegal vapes with tough new legislation aimed at disrupting the business models of illicit traders and protecting young people. Health Minister Tim Nicholls introduced reforms in parliament on Tuesday that will grant health authorities unprecedented powers and impose some of the nation’s harshest penalties.

Under the proposed laws, health authorities will be able to issue on-the-spot closure orders for non-compliant businesses for 3 months, a significant increase from the previous 72-hour limit. Courts can extend these closures for up to 12 months. In a major new step, landlords who knowingly lease shopfronts to illegal tobacconists and vape vendors will face severe penalties, including fines up to $161,300 and a potential one-year jail term. Landlords will also be empowered to immediately terminate the leases of illegal operators.

Queensland Health officers will be authorized to conduct undercover sting operations and seize all products—even lawful ones—found at illegal stores. “We are making the criminals pay,” Mr. Nicholls stated, emphasizing a “zero-tolerance approach.”

This crackdown builds on federal reforms and significant enforcement actions. Since November, Queensland authorities have seized over 420,000 illegal vapes, 52.4 million illicit cigarettes, and issued more than 140 interim closure orders. Research from the Generation Vape Project indicates that vaping rates among 14-17-year-olds have already started to drop, falling from 18% in early 2023 to 15% in the latest data.

• Read more: Australia: NSW Launches New Unit to Tackle Illegal Vapes
• News source: Tough legislation strengthens the war on vapes

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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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