NSW councils push for power to close illegal tobacco shops
Councils want power to block illegal tobacco retailers before they open. They don't want to shut them down after.
NSW councils are asking the state government for stronger tools to fight the black market tobacco trade. Right now, councils can only close illegal tobacco shops after they open, one at a time.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne says councils need development approval powers that would let them block new retailers based on location, nearby schools, and how many shops are already there. Illegal tobacconists have been firebombed and ram-raided across Australia as organized crime groups fight for territory.
The state has closed nearly 500 retailers since 2025. But ministers say lower tobacco excise would help make legal smokes competitive.
A formal response to an inquiry into illegal tobacco is due late November.
- Nearly 500 since 2025
- Retailers closed
- Darcy Byrne
- Inner West Mayor
- Ryan Park (Health), Paul Scully (Planning)
- Ministers contacted
Why it mattersIllegal tobacco funds organized crime, drives violence, and hurts legitimate retailers. Councils want to stop shops opening in the first place instead of trying to shut them down after.
AustraliaThis affects all Australians, especially those in areas with high illegal tobacco activity. If councils gain approval powers, it could reshape how tobacco retailers operate and where they can set up.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
