NSW retailers could ban repeat abusers with jail penalties for breach
NSW retailers can seek court orders to ban violent repeat offenders, with breaches punishable by up to two years prison.
NSW retailers will be able to apply for court-issued Workplace Protection Orders against violent or abusive repeat customers. If granted, the orders ban offenders from entering stores and ban contacting workers.
Breaches are punishable by up to two years in prison or $5,500 fines. The measure targets a small group.
10% of repeat offenders drive 60% of retail incidents. A 2025 survey of 2,592 retail workers found 88% had experienced verbal abuse at work.
One quarter reported physical violence. Convenience stores employ 25,000 workers in NSW.
Many face aggression from offenders. Since 2023, the government introduced tougher assault penalties.
673 people have been charged under those laws.
- 2,592 retail workers surveyed in 2025
- Survey scope
- 88% experienced verbal abuse at work
- Verbal abuse rate
- 25,000 workers in NSW convenience stores
- NSW convenience workers
- Up to two years in prison or $5,500 fine
- Breach penalty
Why it mattersRetail workers facing constant abuse now get legal protection. Court-backed bans on repeat offenders offer real defense.
Australia25,000 convenience store workers in NSW would gain legal backing to exclude repeat violent customers from their workplaces.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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