Photo: theguardian.com
"NSW Cracks Down: First Illegal Tobacco Shops Closed in Sydney's Fight Against Illicit Sales"
Two illegal tobacco shops in Sydney have been closed as part of New South Wales crackdown on illicit cigarette and electronic cigarette sales, signaling a tough stance against the black market.
- The Ministry of Health (New South Wales) has initiated a crackdown on illicit tobacco, leading to the closure of two stores in St Leonards, New South Wales for 90 days.
- Health minister Ryan Park stated that these closures are just the beginning in the fight against the rising trend of illegal cigarette and electronic cigarette sales in Sydney.
- The Minns government is pursuing further court orders to potentially extend the closures of these illicit tobacco outlets for up to 12 months, aiming to deter black market activities.
Why It Matters
This crackdown reflects New South Wales commitment to public health by targeting the growing issue of illegal tobacco sales, which undermine legitimate businesses and pose health risks to consumers. The effort exemplifies a broader trend towards stricter regulations against illicit products in the region.