New laws are now in force in Tasmania, cracking down on the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes.

Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer says new offences and tougher penalties are in place for the sale and supply of illicit tobacco, vapes and vaping products

“Further, there are now powers in place that enable the Secretary of the Department of Health to close businesses that are selling these products illegally,” she says.

“Every illegal product taken off the street matters to protect the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, but our ultimate goal is to stop people being drawn into nicotine use in the first place and help those who already use these products to quit.

“Tobacco causes serious illness, cuts lives short, and leaves families dealing with the consequences.

“We want to protect children and young people from taking up use of nicotine products, support Tasmanians to quit, and spare more families the impact of tobacco-related disease.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about taking more action, right now, on issues affecting Tasmanians.”

The Tasmanian government’s next phase of reform will consolidate tobacco, vaping and other nicotine laws into a new standalone act.

“Our new standalone legislation will be nation-leading and will further strengthen enforcement, prevention and support for Tasmanians who want to quit,” says Ms Archer.

“We’re committed to protecting Tasmanians from the harms caused by tobacco and nicotine products and supporting more Tasmanians to live longer, healthier lives.”