Kirwan Tobacconist shop slapped with closure notice after items seized

A Kirwan tobacconist has been forced to shut its doors this week after Queensland Health swooped in, seizing a large haul of suspected illicit tobacco and vaping products.

A Queensland Health closure notice taped to the front of Kirwan Tobacconist, ordering an immediate halt to the supply of smoking products. The store was shut down as part of a crackdown on illicit tobacco and vaping sales. Picture: Natasha Emeck

A Townsville tobacconist has been forced to shut its doors this week after Queensland Health swooped in, seizing a large haul of suspected illicit tobacco and vaping products.

The Kirwan Tobacconist, located on Thuringowa Drive, was slapped with an interim closure notice this week following a raid by environmental health officers from the Townsville Public Health Unit (TPHU).

The move comes as part of a wider crackdown on the sale of illegal smoking products across Queensland.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes provided details on why action had been taken against the retailer.

A Queensland Health closure notice taped to the front of Kirwan Tobacconist, ordering an immediate halt to the supply of smoking products. The store was shut down as part of a crackdown on illicit tobacco and vaping sales. Picture: Natasha Emeck

“I can confirm that environmental health officers from the Townsville Public Health Unit (TPHU) have issued an interim closure order under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 to an unlicensed tobacco retailer located in Kirwan,” he said.

“The tobacco retailer was found to be supplying or likely to have supplied illicit tobacco and illicit nicotine products (vaping devices) and for supplying smoking products without a licence.”

He said authorities seized a significant quantity of suspected illicit tobacco, nicotine products, and smoking paraphernalia during the operation.

“Environmental health officers routinely conduct investigations into the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and illicit nicotine products,” Mr Keyes added.

“Failure to comply can result in fines, prosecution, suspension or cancellation of licence, seizure of product and closure of business.”

A notice from Queensland Health was seen stuck on the front of the business, ordering an immediate halt to the supply of smoking products.

The interim closure order, issued under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998, mandates a 72-hour shutdown, with the store plastered in bright yellow “SEIZED” tape to reinforce the action taken by authorities.

Originally published as Kirwan Tobacconist shop slapped with closure notice after items seized