Six retail outlets across the Hunter region have been ordered to shut their doors for three months following a major compliance operation targeting the sale of illegal tobacco products.
New Laws Trigger Immediate Closures
The enforcement action comes on the heels of new state government legislation introduced on November 3, 2025, granting NSW Health the authority to impose immediate 90-day shutdowns on retailers caught selling illicit tobacco. Just days after these laws took effect, health officials moved swiftly, issuing closure notices to the six Hunter businesses on November 5 and 6.
The affected stores include four within the Lake Macquarie local government area – one in Belmont, one in Charlestown, and two in Swansea. A further two stores were hit in Port Stephens, located at Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay. All are cited for "the sale of illicit tobacco" and will not be permitted to reopen until early February 2026.
Statewide Blitz Nets Massive Haul
This crackdown is part of a broader statewide effort that has seen more than 50 stores across NSW temporarily closed. The compliance blitz, supported by NSW Police, has resulted in significant seizures. Officers have confiscated over 1.6 million illegal cigarettes, 173 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, approximately 10,000 vapes, and 1200 nicotine pouches.
The estimated street value of this illicit haul exceeds $2 million. While no other Hunter stores have received temporary closure notices, the operation extended north, with three stores in the Mid-Coast Council area – one in Forster and two in Taree – also being shut down.
Government Vows Continued Action
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park stated this aggressive action marks just the beginning of the government's campaign to disrupt the supply of illegal cigarettes and vaping products. He warned that many illicit tobacco stores remain in communities and that retailers involved in the trade should cease immediately.
"We are building on our efforts to stem the supply of illicit tobacco and illicit vaping goods to protect public health across NSW," Mr Park said. "My message to retailers selling illicit tobacco or vapes is stop it now. If you're doing the wrong thing, sooner or later we will come for you."
The consequences for non-compliance are severe. Any retailer caught selling tobacco products from a temporarily closed premises faces six months imprisonment and a fine of $137,500. Furthermore, under the new laws, NSW Health can apply for long-term closure orders of up to 12 months if a serious breach is confirmed.
The crackdown highlights a growing black market problem. A recent report by the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner found Australia is now losing more revenue to illegal tobacco than it collects from legal sales. The report estimates up to $11.8 billion in excise is lost annually, with nearly 5400 tonnes of tobacco imported illegally and another 575 tonnes produced domestically during the 2024-25 period. This surge in illicit trade coincides with a dramatic drop in legal sales, with cigarettes down 30% and loose-leaf tobacco down 17% in a single year.
