The Queensland Government has passed tough new laws to crack down on the illicit supply of tobacco products and vapes.
Queensland retailers who illegally sell cigarettes or vapes will now face jail terms, steeper fines, and extended closures.
The amendments to the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 allow for tougher penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment and/or court penalties up to $322,600 for an individual, or $1.6 million for a corporation.
Queensland is the first state to introduce strict new closure powers that allow authorities to close a business for up to six months if they continue to sell illicit tobacco or vape products or operate without a smoking product licence.
“We make no apologies and will do everything we can to protect Queenslanders, especially kids, from the harms of smoking and vaping,” said Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman.
“It’s why we are putting smoking product retailers on notice — if you believe you can illegally sell cigarettes or vapes, think again.
“You will face some of the most severe penalties in Australia, including jail time.
“The new laws mean enforcement officers can act swiftly and decisively to seize illegal products, so that they stay out of the hands of young people.
“We have seen evidence today that vaping has become a health crisis in our state, with rates of school students trying e-cigarettes more than doubling since 2017.
“Smoking in any form carries serious health risks like lung and heart damage, which is why we need strong action, like these tough new laws.”
A licensing scheme to further regulate the sale of smoking products took effect in September, with unlicensed businesses facing court penalties of up to $161,300 for an individual, or $806,500 for a corporation. To date, over 4,750 licences have been granted.
