,"The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales has ended the three-month grace period for retailers and wholesalers to apply for a licence under the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme, effective from 1 October 2025. From this date, all businesses must hold and display a valid tobacco licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products. Those continuing to trade without a licence face severe penalties, while applicants who submitted their licence on time may continue trading until their application is processed. The scheme, enforced by the new Centre for Regulation and Enforcement (CRE) within NSW Health, introduces tougher penalties for illegal tobacco sales, including fines up to $1.54 million and imprisonment up to seven years for commercial possession or sale of illicit tobacco. The legislation also allows short- and long-term closure orders for non-compliant premises. In the past year, NSW Health inspections resulted in 1,750 retailer checks, seizure of 14 million cigarettes and 200,000 illegal vaping products, and 16 prosecutions totaling $432,660 in fines. The scheme aims to better regulate retailers, curb illegal sales, and protect public health."
Consumer News Region