New laws are in force in Tasmania from today, cracking down on the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2026 is now in effect.
"From today in Tasmania, new offences and tougher penalties are in place for the sale and supply of illicit tobacco, vapes and vaping products," Minister Archer said.
"Further, there are now powers in place that enable the Secretary of the Department of Health to close businesses that are selling these products illegally.
"Every illegal product taken off the street matters to protect the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, but our ultimate goal is to stop people being drawn into nicotine use in the first place and help those who already use these products to quit.
"Tobacco causes serious illness, cuts lives short, and leaves families dealing with the consequences.
"We want to protect children and young people from taking up use of nicotine products, support Tasmanians to quit, and spare more families the impact of tobacco-related disease.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about taking more action, right now, on issues affecting Tasmanians."
The Tasmanian Government's next phase of reform will consolidate tobacco, vaping and other nicotine laws into a new standalone act.
"Our new standalone legislation will be nation-leading and will further strengthen enforcement, prevention and support for Tasmanians who want to quit," Minister Archer said.
"We are committed to protecting Tasmanians from the harms caused by tobacco and nicotine products and supporting more Tasmanians to live longer, healthier lives."
