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James Griffin takes action against Illegal vape and tobacco shops
Across the Northern Beaches, tobacconists have been quietly multiplying, appearing almost overnight at our local shops. Many of these stores promote lollies and souvenirs out front, while selling illegal tobacco and vapes out back. It’s a worrying trend, and as a local resident and parent myself, I have real concerns over their proximity to our schools, parks and community areas.
So why have these stores suddenly appeared? The simple answer is that the rules in NSW just haven’t kept up.
“The proliferation of tobacco shops in itself is disturbing given how much effort has gone into the education of the dangers of tobacco and vaping. But the shops presenting themselves as convenience stores with brightly coloured imported junk food to tempt kids in is deplorable. The fact these shops are opening in alarming proximity to schools demonstrates the nefarious nature of this industry and its intended targets. The solution belongs to all levels of government.”
— Georgie Greer, Seaforth local
“As a concerned parent, I’m deeply alarmed by the rise of tobacco shops near our schools. Many sell vapes, remain suspiciously empty, yet keep opening. Their proximity to children is unacceptable, normalising harmful habits. Our kids deserve better.”
— Kate Moss, Local Mum
E-cigarettes are on the rise, and despite the Federal Government passing legislation to ban both their importation and sale outside of a pharmacy setting, enforcing these regulations on the ground paints a different story. Under existing laws, NSW Health is the agency responsible for enforcing tobacco compliance. With just 28 inspectors overseeing almost 20,000 retailers across the state, the system isn’t just stretched. It’s broken. To make matters worse, up until recently, all that was previously needed to open a tobacconist in NSW was a valid ABN.
In response, I launched a petition calling for a crackdown on these stores. My petition called for tougher laws and a coordinated compliance effort involving Police, Liquor and Gaming and other agencies beyond NSW Health. Over 1,300 residents registered their support, and it was clear that many on the Northern Beaches were fed up.
Off the back of this, the NSW Liberal Opposition introduced the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 in NSW Parliament this month. Our Bill proposed prison sentences, forced business closures, and penalties for landlords who knowingly rent premises to illegal operators. Working constructively with the Government, a similar bill is now making its way through the Parliament.
The Government has also agreed to form the new multi-agency taskforce my petition called for to ensure these laws take effect on the ground. In addition, police checks are now mandatory for any business seeking a tobacco license. While there is more work to be done, these are important steps in the right direction.
Laws are only as strong as their ability to be enforced, and my focus now is ensuring these reforms are legislated as quickly as possible, and that they are backed up by smarter, tougher and consistent compliance on the ground. Our community should not have to tolerate illegal operations on our streets. Local cafés and small businesses should not be forced out because of them. Under no circumstances should these operators have been allowed to profit by targeting the health of our young people.
Thank you to all who have contacted my office to help put this issue on the agenda. If you share these concerns and want to see these dodgy vape stores shut down for good, you can still sign my petition by scanning the QR code below.
James Griffin
