Tesch backs new 'illicit tobacco' laws
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has backed "tough new laws to crack down on the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vaping goods" being introduced by the State Government.
"I share concerns about the prevalence of illegal tobacco and vapes in our community," she said.
"The NSW Government is cracking down on dodgy operators, introducing tough new laws to disrupt this criminal business model.
"We are introducing harsher penalties for those who sell illegal products, while giving enforcement officers the ability to shut down stores doing the wrong thing, cutting off this illicit behaviour at its source."
She said the laws would bring in some of the toughest penalties in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco.
New penalties for selling tobacco without a licence will be up to $660,000 for an individual or $880,000 for a corporation.
Premises may also be ordered closed.
A new offences for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco and for its sale will carry a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and seven years' imprisonment.
Offences will also be introduced for falsely claiming to be licensed; resisting seizure; and attempting to retake seized products.
Ms Tesch said NSW Health inspectors on the Central Coast seized more than 300,000 cigarettes in the first three months of this year.
There were 35kg of other illicit tobacco products and 3200 vapes, nicotine e-liquids and pouches also seized.
Last year, more than 2.1 million cigarettes, 210kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 37,000 vapes, nicotine e-liquids and pouches were seized, with an estimated street value of $3.4 million.
Ms Tesch said: "I continue to encourage our community to be the eyes and ears on the ground.
"If you see something that concerns you, make a report to NSW Health.
"Working together, we can support healthy outcomes for our community."
SOURCE:
Media release, 6 Aug 2025
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford