23/09/2025
A Broadbeach tobacconist has copped a whopping fine after a warrant executed by the Queensland Health Public Health Officers found hundreds of unauthorised vapes at the store.
Uncle Bob’s Tobacconist Pty Ltd, which operates as Uncle Bob’s Tobacconist from its Broadbeach store, was fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to two counts of offence to buy or possess hazardous poisons.
A Gold Coast Health spokeswoman said the Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) became aware of the company’s noncompliance of the Medicines and Poison Act following a routine inspection conducted in March 2024.
Court documents reveal a warrant was executed at the store by the Queensland Health Public Health Officers from the GCPHU on March 18, 2024.
A total of 796 personal vaporisers (also known as vapes) were seized with 790 of the devices found to contain nicotine.
14 nicotine pouches were also were also seized from the store.
A representative for the business appeared at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday beside solicitor Dean Mayr, who was acting as town agent.
Mr Mayr said the company didn’t have any convictions but he couldn’t say they have been stellar with their compliance with police and legislation regulations.
The court heard Uncle Bob’s Tobacconist had been issued 50 penalty infringement notices under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act (1998) and fined almost $800,000 over the past two years.
The business was sentenced at the Southport Courthouse on Wednesday.
Mr Mayr noted other businesses had been before the courts for much larger amounts especially in the case of nicotine pouches.
He submitted fines of $15,000 to $30,000 would be available based on the comparatives.
The court heard the store, which employs a manager and four part-time casual employees, also sells other items including soft drinks, food and gifts.
Magistrate Jane Bentley accepted the early guilty plea.
She took into account the company had no previous convictions but noted previous fines seemed to have failed to have a deterrent effect.
“Obviously general deterrence is a significant sentencing factor because the supply of unregulated nicotine poses a risk to the health of the public,” she said.
The company was fined $30,000 with a conviction recorded.
A Gold Coast Health spokeswoman told the Gold Coast Bulletin Queensland has the nation’s toughest laws to address the supply of illegal cigarettes and vapes, and the GCPHU will continue to enforce the legislation.
“The growth and unacceptable levels of illicit tobacco and vape use in young people is extremely concerning,” she said.
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