Nowra tobacconist overload slammed by ‘concerned’ councillor, shadow health minister

A surge in tobacconists across a South Coast town has sparked concern among locals and leaders, who say the smoke shops are choking local businesses for opportunities and exposing kids to the dangers.

The sheer number of tobacconists in Nowra on the state’s South Coast – and the rapid rate at which they are setting up shop and sparking up sales – has rattled residents, who have now turned to local representatives and even the federal government for help.

Nowra now has nine operating tobacconists in its small CBD alone, according to Shoalhaven Council papers, which also reveals that statewide, tobacco store numbers have surged from 14,500 four years ago to 19,500 today – many of those operating illegally and selling illicit smokes and banned vapes.

Shoalhaven Council raised the issue at its ordinary meeting on Tuesday, citing the proximity of the shops — which sell everything from junk food to cigarettes and vapes — to schools as a major concern.

Councillor Serena Clancey, who is leading the local push against ‘big tobacco’, said the trend was disturbing.

“Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death, while vaping is increasingly popular among youth who may not fully understand the associated health risks,” she said.

Shoalhaven councillor Serena Clancey. Picture: Supplied

“Recent changes to regulations banned nicotine vapes and disposables as of January 1, 2024, but illegal sales remain a problem — especially in regions like Shoalhaven, where enforcement is stretched.”

The rapid spread of tobacconists has not gone unnoticed by NSW Opposition Health Minister Kellie Sloane, who recently visited Nowra to hear residents’ concerns first-hand.

Nowra's CBD now has nine tobacconists. Picture: Supplied

“[Tobacconist] numbers have exploded across our state,” Ms Sloane said.

“I had a round table in Nowra with businesses. It was well attended — people were legitimately concerned.”

Ms Sloane said tobacconist openings often led to sharp downturns for surrounding businesses.

“The legitimate businesses are suffering,” she said.

“One guy told me his sales dropped 75 per cent, another said 80 per cent. One woman had to close altogether — she said those shops bring another element to town.”

Ms Clancey’s motion to council also flagged the health impact on young people.

“Vapes often contain harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer, and bug spray,” she said.

“Many labelled ‘nicotine-free’ actually contain high levels of nicotine — hooking a new generation into addiction.”

Clancey’s crusade mirrors that of former councillor and Nowra teacher Serena Copley, who last year called the rise in tobacconists an “epidemic” and slammed the lack of federal regulation.

Shoalhaven Council will continue to monitor and address what it describes as a “concerning” trend.

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Originally published as Nowra tobacconist overload slammed by ‘concerned’ councillor, shadow health minister