The Queensland Government is looking to protect communities by cracking down on rogue stores caught stocking and selling illicit tobacco and vapes, with some of the nation’s heftiest fines.
The on-the-spot fines have increased ten-fold for individuals and corporations caught selling illegal tobacco products.
Fines for the commercial supply of illicit tobacco and illegal nicotine products have now increased to $32,260 for an individual, up from $3,226. For corporations, the financial penalty is now $161,300, up from $16,130.
These changes also mean that for the first time, fines can be issued for the commercial possession and supply of vapes and nicotine pouches (often known as zyn).
These tough new fines can be issued on the spot, however court ordered penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to $322,600 for individuals or $1.6 million for a corporation remain available.
Vaping rates among Queensland high school students tripled from 2017 to 2023, prompting the State Government to announce in 2024 that it would take a tough stance on this illegal empire, to stop these products falling into the hands of children.
The State Government has delivered on that promise and seized more than 130,000 illegal vapes and eight million illegal cigarettes.
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said that the State Government was clamping down on the trade of illegal tobacco and vaping products in Queensland.
“We promised a crackdown and with these tougher penalties hitting illegal operators in the hip pocket, we are helping stop illegal vapes falling into the hands of our kids,” Nicholls said.
“It’s vital that we protect children in Queensland, and these new penalties send a strong message that we mean business.”
Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington, said that the nation-leading fines were a necessary measure in response to businesses selling illicit tobacco and vaping goods.
“The nature of this conduct poses significant risks to public health and undermines our legislative and regulatory framework,” Frecklington said.
“The Health Minister and I have worked closely to take this important step as part of the process of cracking down on illegal tobacco and vapes.
“These are now some of the highest infringements that can be issued in Queensland, and they recognise the scourge that these illegal chop shops are on our community.”
