A fire at a Leeton tobacconist last week is a sharp reminder of why the laws around illicit tobacco exist.

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said when illegal trade takes hold, the risks do not stop at lost revenue. They spill into public safety, organised crime and real danger for nearby businesses and residents.

“NSW has already tightened the law. In November 2025, Parliament passed changes that allow authorities to shut premises linked to illicit tobacco or vaping sales and impose much tougher penalties,” she said.

“These powers are real and they are being used. Anyone involved needs to understand that this is no longer treated as a minor offence.

“There is more coming. Legislation now before Parliament will make it an offence for landlords to allow illicit tobacco or vaping sales on their premises, with penalties of up to $165,000 or 12 months in jail.

“It will also allow leases to be terminated where a closure order has been issued. Property owners cannot look the other way and claim ignorance. Responsibility sits with everyone involved.

“This is a warning, not a technicality. If you are a business owner or a landlord, know the law, check what is happening on your premises, and act early. The consequences are serious and they affect the whole community,” Ms Dalton said.