Cancer Council NSW welcomes the announcement from NSW Government and its commitment to reducing smoking rates across the state. A new offence will be brought in for landlords who knowingly permit premises to be used by tenants to sell illicit tobacco and illegal vapes, with the introduction of the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025 today.
Anita Dessaix, Director of Cancer Prevention and Advocacy at Cancer Council NSW, says this is a critical moment to strengthen and enforce comprehensive tobacco retailing laws and reinforce broader NSW tobacco control strategies, "we know two thirds of people who smoke want to quit and these measures will help create the right conditions and support for them to succeed. Anyone in need of support to take the next step can call Quitline on 13 78 48 for free, confidential advice and support."
The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment, a fine of $165,000 or both. The new offence will target landlords who are aware of tenants conducting illicit tobacco and vaping goods businesses from the premises and, instead of notifying the appropriate authorities or taking steps to evict the tenant, knowingly permitting this illicit activity to continue.
NSW has come a long way in the fight against smoking. In 2003, more than 20% of adults in NSW smoked daily or occasionally; today that figure is down to 11%. Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable death in NSW, killing around 6,600 people every year through cancers, heart disease, and lung disease.
Ms Dessaix emphasises that a comprehensive approach to tackling tobacco is essential, " The combination of this includes well funded public education campaigns around the health harms of smoking, effective quitting support, coordinated enforcement, and strong smoke free policies along with the new licensing legislation can help NSW reach the 5% smoking target by 2030.
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including dozens that cause cancer, damage to your body and also harm people exposed to second-hand smoke.
If community are concerned that a tobacco retailer might be breaking the rules, individuals can check if the premises holds a valid retail or wholesale tobacco licence by visiting the Tobacco Licence Registry on Verify NSW.
