NSW Introduces Tobacco Licensing Scheme to Strengthen Smoking Laws and Cancer Prevention

NSW Introduces Tobacco Licensing Scheme to Strengthen Smoking Laws and Cancer Prevention

As of 1 July 2025, New South Wales has taken a major step forward in the fight against tobacco-related harm by introducing a new tobacco licensing scheme. This reform means that all retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products must now apply for and hold a valid licence — bringing NSW in line with nearly every other Australian jurisdiction.

At Quit Hero, we welcome this move as a meaningful shift towards a healthier future, where stronger regulations help curb smoking rates and protect communities from the devastating impact of tobacco use.

Why This Change Matters

Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in NSW. Each year, around:

  • 6,700 deaths

  • 62,900 hospitalisations
    are directly attributed to smoking.

With two in three people who smoke dying from their addiction, the human toll is staggering. Add to that the estimated $8.4 billion in social costs, and it becomes clear that stronger regulation is not just good health policy — it’s essential.

What the New Licensing Scheme Involves

From July 2025 onward, all businesses selling tobacco or smoking-related products in NSW must:

  • Apply for a tobacco licence via an online portal

  • Pay an annual licensing fee

  • Pass a screening check (past offences relating to tobacco/vape sales will be considered)

  • Comply with all relevant legislation or risk losing their licence

This move ensures better oversight of who is selling these products — and ensures they’re doing so within the law.

“The introduction of this licensing scheme brings NSW into line with nearly every other jurisdiction in Australia, which will ensure retailers are playing by the rules and that public health remains the priority.”
— Anita Dessaix, Director of Cancer Prevention and Advocacy, Cancer Council NSW

New Penalties for Selling Without a Licence

To support enforcement, new penalties have also been introduced for anyone caught selling tobacco products without a valid licence:

  • Individuals:

    • $11,000 for a first offence

    • $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence

  • Corporations:

    • Up to $220,000 in fines

The revenue collected through licensing fees and penalties will help offset the cost of administering the scheme and bolster enforcement efforts.

More Inspectors, More Oversight

To further improve compliance, NSW Health has doubled the number of authorised inspectors monitoring tobacco retailers across the state. This means:

  • More checks

  • Better enforcement of laws

  • Stronger deterrents against the illegal tobacco trade, which has been a persistent issue in NSW

Complementing Vaping Reform

This scheme works in tandem with new vaping laws introduced in July 2024, which state that all vapes and vaping products — regardless of nicotine content — can only be sold through pharmacies for smoking cessation or nicotine dependence management.

Together, these laws form a comprehensive public health strategy, targeting both the supply and accessibility of harmful smoking products, while promoting medically supervised quitting support.

Cancer Council’s Role in Advocacy

This reform didn’t happen overnight. Cancer Council NSW played a significant role in driving this change by:

  • Providing evidence-based resources to MPs

  • Advocating for stronger licensing through its Tobacco Control Unit

  • Working alongside policy and community teams to ensure decision-makers understood the long-term benefits of such a strategy

What This Means for Smokers and the Community

Stricter controls on tobacco retailing help reduce the availability of these harmful products — particularly to young people and vulnerable communities. They also support those trying to quit by shifting the landscape away from easy access and unregulated sales.

At Quit Hero, we believe every step that makes quitting easier — and smoking less accessible — is a step in the right direction.

Ready to Quit or Need Support?

Quitting smoking can be tough, but you’re not alone. Our team is here to help with:

  • Expert guidance

  • Evidence-based resources

  • Supportive tools for your quit journey

Let’s keep pushing toward a smoke-free future — one policy, one person, and one quit at a time.

 

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