Illicit cigarettes and illegal vapes seized
Three Beaches’ tobacconists were slapped with temporary closure orders from 13 November to 11 February 2026 under the NSW Government’s new tobacco laws aimed at cracking down on illegal tobacco and vapes.
NSW Health inspectors, supported by NSW Police, found and seized over 100,000 illicit cigarettes, close to 20kg of other illicit tobacco products and almost 1,800 illegal vapes during the Beaches’ raids, and three further raids in the Blue Mountains and South West Sydney.
The Newport Tobacconist at 315a Barrenjoey Road, and Beach Mart (aka American Snacks and Candies) at 1125 Pittwater Road, Collaroy were closed for the sale of illicit tobacco and the retail sale of tobacco products or non-tobacco smoking products by a person who does not hold a retail licence. Adel’s Convenience Store at 42 Ethel Street, Seaforth was closed for the sale of illicit tobacco.
“Given the limited number of enforcement officers, it’s fantastic to see Pittwater is already seeing the benefits of the toughest laws in the country being enforced,” Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby told PL. “However, with 20,000 stores in NSW, we need to radically increase health and police enforcement resources which are woefully inadequate, with just 48 staff in NSW Health’s regulation and enforcement team.”
Over 2,000 people signed Manly MP James Griffin’s petition to rid the area of companies selling ‘illegal’ tobacco.
“Farewell to the dodgy vape dens!” Mr Griffin told PL. “It’s great to see the will of the people being enacted in the closure of these totally inappropriately located shops.“
“As was clear from the start when they appeared opposite a primary school, enough is enough and the time has come for them to shut.”
NSW retailers and wholesalers need to have a valid licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products as part of the new NSW Tobacco Licensing Scheme.
The government announced a new offence on 11 November for landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used to sell illicit tobacco or vapes which could mean a year in jail, a $165,000 fine – or both.
“After talking with local landlords, I am supportive of this legislation,” Ms Scruby said. “Local landlords don’t want these shops either and are frustrated at out-of-town landlords that are renting to these tenants – especially as they bring the risk of firebombing or ram raiding that could also raise insurance costs for neighbouring properties.”
Wakehurst MP Michael Regan said the closure of the tobacconists was a ‘welcome start.’ “Locals have watched shops sell illegal vapes for far too long, especially to young people.
It is good to finally see real consequences that actually bite,” Mr Regan told PL. “People in Collaroy have been reporting serious concerns to my office for months. I know they’ll be relieved to see the beginning of the end for dodgy operators.”
NSW Health can make a short-term closure order of up to 90 days for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence. It can also apply to a local court for a long-term closure order.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the closures were ‘just the beginning.’ “If you’re doing the wrong thing, sooner or later we will come for you.”
