Jail time and fines now on the line for illegal tobacco operators

IN an extension of the state’s war on illegal tobacco, the NSW Government has created an offence for landlords who knowingly permit premises used to sell illicit tobacco and vapes.

The Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025 will carry a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment, a fine of $165,000, or both.

Under recent laws, including a new offence for the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco with a penalty of up to $1.5 million and seven years’ imprisonment, health inspectors conducted 1,260 retailer inspections across the state in 2025.

The NSW Ministry of Health has finalised 17 prosecutions, and there are 27 prosecutions before the courts.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the bill would further minimise opportunities for illegal tobacco and vape sales to flourish.

“We know that the vast majority of landlords do the right thing, but those bad actors out there not only undermine legitimate business, they also expose communities to criminal activity,” Park said.