Eight retailers in Tamworth and Gunnedah have been shut for 90 days during a targeted operation to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes in the region.
Six retailers were closed on Tuesday this week in Tamworth including 5 in Peel Street and 1 in Brisbane Street. The 2 closures in Gunnedah were in Conadilly Street.
Further investigations will follow and additional enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place.
While implementing the closure orders on Tuesday 29 September, NSW Health inspectors, with the support of NSW Police, found and seized over 250,000 illicit cigarettes, 51kg of loose-leaf tobacco 2,900 illicit vapes, and 2,500 other illicit nicotine products.
Closure orders may be issued to a retail premises for selling illicit tobacco or illicit vaping goods and/or the retail sale of tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence.
NSW Health and NSW Police actively monitor premises during a closure order and take all reports of closure order breaches very seriously. If breaches are identified, the relevant agency will consider further enforcement action, including closure orders and investigation of subsequent breaches for prosecution.
NSW Health works in collaboration with NSW Police to enforce tobacco retailing laws, including sharing information and undertaking joint activities.
This includes compliance and enforcement activity that aims to disrupt illegal traders, ensure regulatory compliance and protect communities across NSW, including the Hunter New England community, from illicit tobacco and vaping harms.
As of 25 September, NSW Health inspectors have issued 475 short-term closure orders since the new powers came into effect in November 2025, with 146 in force to that date.
On 1 July 2026 a new offence was introduced under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 (the Act), for a commercial lessor that knowingly permits premises to be used for the sale of illicit tobacco or illicit vaping goods.
This new offence targets landlords who are aware of tenants selling illicit tobacco or vaping goods from their premises and who knowingly permit this illicit activity to continue.
The Act currently allows a lessor to terminate a retail shop lease if a premises is subject to a closure order by giving the tenant at least 28 days' notice. Landlords are encouraged to obtain their own legal advice to ensure they are complying with the law.
A full list of current tobacco closures can be found on the NSW Health website.
Members of the public can lodge complaints about retailers they believe are doing the wrong thing via the reporting portal on the NSW Health website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"This operation is a reminder for those who are doing the wrong thing that we are serious and they will be face regulatory action.
"Our inspectors actively monitor retailers, and if we find that you are continuing to sell these illicit products after being served a closure order, we will shut you down again and you will face further enforcement action.
"It's clear that the federal tobacco excise is at such a rate that people are turning to illegal tobacco with illegal tobacconists flourishing in our suburbs and communities.
"So long as the excise continues to remain high, the black market will continue, and we will have to keep playing whack-a-mole with bad actors.
"Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has introduced some of the toughest penalties for illegal tobacco in the country:
- ramped up penalties - prison sentences of up to 7 years;
- fines of over $1.5 million;
- implemented a tobacco licensing scheme to better identify bad actors;
- we're closing down stores that do the wrong thing; and
- now landlords who knowingly permit the sale of illicit tobacco will face penalties."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant:
"The operation in Tamworth and Gunnedah is a great example of our enforcement efforts to disrupt the supply of unlawful tobacco and vaping products, to protect public health.
"Quitting smoking remains one of the most beneficial things an individual can do to improve their health. If you need support to quit smoking or vaping talk to your GP or Pharmacist or call the NSW Quitline on 13 78 48."
Quotes attributable to NSW Police Criminal Organisations Director, Detective Chief Superintendent Grant Taylor:
"Illicit tobacco and vaping products pose real risks to the community, and those who choose to sell them should expect firm enforcement.
"These closures send a clear message to those seeking to profit from illicit tobacco and vaping products.
"Through joint operations with NSW Health, we are not only shutting down non-compliant retailers - we are also removing the illicit products, cash and all the assets that underpin this criminal activity."
