Bundaberg tobacconists shut down under tough new tobacco, vape laws

Three stores in Bundaberg have been closed down after authorities allegedly seized more than $1m in illicit tobacco and vaping products, the first time new laws have been used in the state.

The Kepnock tobacconist was one of three raided in the area.

In a landmark enforcement of Queensland’s toughest tobacco laws yet, authorities have swooped on Bundaberg, shutting down three unlicensed tobacconists in a dramatic two-day blitz.

Authorities allegedly seized more than $1m worth of illicit tobacco and vapes in the state-first crackdown against black-market trade.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Public Health seized more than $1m of contraband with the assistance of QPS, including more than 500kg of tobacco and thousands of vapes.

This comes after a Bundaberg retailer was raided amid crackdown on illicit vapes in October.

WBHHS Public Health team imposed strict new interim closure powers on Tuesday to close three unlicensed businesses.
A spokesperson for Geon, Kepnock Town Centre’s property management company, was contacted but declined to comment following the stores raid.

Businesses that are unlicensed and/or contravene the bans on supply of illicit tobacco and vape products can face closures of up to six months as well as significant fines.

Seized boxes are being held from local tobacconists.

Wide Bay Public Health Unit’s Director of Environmental Health Wayne Ingall said the raids were a product of significant planning.

“This action is part of a broader commitment to protecting community health by cracking down on illegal tobacco sales and ensuring compliance with stricter regulations,” he said.

“We know tobacco in all forms is incredibly harmful to the health of our community, which is why it’s so heavily regulated. When it’s sold as loose tobacco or ‘chop chop’ and homemade cigarettes, we don’t have any oversight about how it’s manufactured or what’s in it.

“Illicit smoking and vaping products undermine important public health measures including plain packaging, health warnings and, in the case of nicotine vapes, the requirement for a prescription.”

Illegal cigarettes are some of many items that have been seized from local stores.

Under the new legislation, employees can also face penalties of up to $32,260 if they are found to be working in a store supplying smoking products during the period the closure order is in effect

WBHHS Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said she was proud to be leading the state in carrying out closure notices.

“The enforcement of these new laws sends a clear message that illegal tobacco sales will not be tolerated in our community,” she said.

“Smoking is a leading cause of preventable illness worldwide, contributing to health problems such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and stroke.

“The burden of smoking-related illnesses places significant strain on healthcare services, with increased demand for treatments, surgeries, and long-term care for affected community members.”

Illegal tobacco has been seized from Bundaberg tobacconists.

Wide Bay Public Health Unit’s Environmental Health team works closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and Queensland Police Service (QPS) to enforce the state’s tobacco laws.