Northern Beaches Council will make a submission to the recently launched Parliamentary Inquiry into illegal tobacco trade in NSW. Council will request changes to the Standard Instrument Local Environment Plan to allow councils to stop tobacco shops from opening near schools and recreation areas. The decision was made in response to a Motion submitted by councillor Vincent De Luca.
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby urged the government to set up a taskforce to deal with illegal tobacco sales following community concerns raised.
“I recently met with a group of concerned residents and shop owners regarding the sharp rise of tobacconists and US-style lolly shops, said Ms Scruby. “I’ll be making a full submission to the inquiry, and I encourage every Pittwater resident who’s had enough of the proliferation of tobacconists to do the same.”
Ms Scruby said that enforcement was an issue, with the onus being solely on NSW Health.
“We are hearing reports of resistance from NSW Police to take over raids for illegal tobacco and vapes from NSW Health,” said Ms Scruby. “But Health should not be solely responsible for raids relating to organised crime. I’ve called on the government to establish an Interagency Taskforce between NSW Fair Trading, Health and Police and believe there is also a role for stricter planning controls.”
Manly Liberal MP James Griffin launched a petition, ‘Tobacco Stores: Enough is Enough’, calling for urgent reforms to address the rapid spread of tobacco stores in Manly and across the Northern Beaches. Mr Griffin highlighted the need for a more effective compliance and enforcement regime, saying the responsibility should not fall only on NSW Health.
“It’s clear the current measures aren’t working,” said Mr Griffin. “My petition also calls on the NSW Government to establish a dedicated multi-agency approach, bringing together NSW Police, NSW Health, and Liquor and Gaming to crack down on non-compliant and illegal operators.”
Submissions can be made here before Friday 1 August 2025.
More on Mr Griffin’s petition here.