Strong new illegal tobacco laws backing in small businesses

The Tasmanian Government has delivered strong new laws to crack down on the sale and supply of illegal tobacco, with the Parliament yesterday passing the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026.

The Bill introduces new offences and increased penalties for the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products, and new powers to shut down businesses that sell illegal products.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about taking more action, right now, on issues affecting Tasmanians.

“These strong new laws are a really important step in putting an end to the illegal tobacco trade, supporting our small businesses and protecting Tasmanians from harm,” Minister Barnett said.

“Our small businesses are seeing a roughly 60 per cent downturn in tobacco sales year on year because of the illegal trade.

“It’s having a significant impact, reducing cashflow and foot traffic through stores.

“With these new laws, we now have more tools in the toolbox to combat the sale of illegal tobacco across our state.

“We’re playing our part at a state level, but the federal government needs to step up and take real action on this issue.

“We need to see a national approach that drives better public health outcomes and supports community safety, putting an end to this crime-driven trade.”

John Devine, CEO of Tasmanian Independent Retailers, welcomed the passage of the laws.

“We sincerely thank the Government for making these changes,” Mr Devine said.

“They are going to be a vital new tool in fighting the scourge of illegal tobacco sales, which is smashing local businesses and driving up smoking rates by making tobacco more accessible, especially to young people."