04/06/2026
NSW Health has now issued 279 short-term closure orders since 3 November 2025 against premises suspected of selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or tobacco products without a valid licence. As of 29 May 2026, 171 closure orders were listed as currently in force on the Tobacco closure orders register – NSW Health. [health.nsw.gov.au]
This is a strong and welcome signal that enforcement action is continuing across NSW. Stop Illicit is very supportive of sustained action against businesses that undermine legitimate retailers, expose communities to unregulated products, and help fuel organised criminal activity.
Importantly, this is not only a metropolitan issue. Illicit tobacco and illegal vape sales affect communities across the state, including rural and regional areas where small businesses are often deeply connected to the communities they serve. Continued enforcement in these locations is essential to protect legitimate retailers and help remove illegal operators from these communities.
Community reporting plays a critical role. If you know or suspect a store is selling illicit tobacco or illegal vaping products, you can report it anonymously through Home – Stop Illicit. Information submitted through Stop Illicit is collated and provided to relevant authorities as a tip-off to assist their investigations. [stopillicit.com]
Members of the public can also report suspected breaches directly to Report non-compliance with tobacco and vaping product laws in NSW via NSW Health’s online reporting form, or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412. [health.nsw.gov.au]
Every report helps build a clearer picture of where illicit sellers are operating. By speaking up, retailers and community members can support ongoing enforcement and help stop the hold illicit tobacco has on NSW communities.
Report an illicit seller through Stop Illicit or report directly to NSW Health.