Fire bomb attack on Ballina tobacconist becomes a flashpoint in the escalating fight against illegal tobacco
The NSW Government is rolling out new laws aimed at shutting down rogue tobacco retailers and targeting organised crime.
From 1 July, all NSW retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco or related products must hold a licence under a newly introduced Tobacco Licensing Scheme.
The move comes amid rising community concern over crime-linked tobacconists and a spate of violent attacks, including the fire that destroyed a Ballina business last October.
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In the early hours of October 23, a stolen Mercedes sedan was rammed through the front of a River Street tobacconist and set alight.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the building and nearby vehicles, prompting evacuations of surrounding apartments.
It followed similar incidents elsewhere and is believed to be linked to a wider criminal network selling illegal tobacco.
Two men were later extradited from Queensland and charged over the Ballina incident as part of Strike Force Albany, an investigation led by NSW Police’s Financial Crime Squad.
Licensing, Inspections and Tougher Penalties
Under the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme, all sellers must apply through Service NSW, undergo criminal history checks, and pay an annual fee. Penalties for operating without a licence are steep – up to $44,000 for individuals and $220,000 for corporations.
Retailers must now display their licence prominently at the point of sale.
Vaping products remain illegal to sell outside of pharmacies in NSW, regardless of nicotine content.
NSW Health is also doubling its enforcement team from 14 to 28 inspectors, boosting the state’s ability to crack down on illegal operators.
In the first three months of this year more than 3.2 million cigarettes, 700 kg of illicit tobacco and 55,000 illegal vapes were seized, with an estimated street value of $5.5 million.
“This scheme will help clean out the bad actors in NSW’s tobacco market and protect small businesses who do the right thing,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.
“It used to be that anyone could walk in and sell tobacco with no oversight. That’s no longer acceptable.”
Opposition Pushes for Harsher Penalties
While supporting the reforms, the NSW Opposition is pushing for even tougher penalties.
This week, it introduced a bill that would allow courts to shut illegal tobacco shops for up to 12 months and hit offenders with fines of up to $1.5 million or jail time of up to seven years.
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said incidents like the Ballina fire were a stark warning.
“Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have all stepped up with tougher penalties and strong enforcement,” Mr Singh said.
“Chris Minn’s inaction has left NSW exposed to more criminals, more violence and more illicit tobacco,”
The Coalition’s proposed legislation would also allow landlords to tear up leases where illegal activity occurs and penalise those who knowingly allow their tenants to operate unlawfully.
Ballina Businesses Call for Protection
Legitimate retailers in Ballina say they welcome tighter controls, if it helps remove criminal elements from the industry.
“Most of us just want a fair go,” said one established local tobacconist, who asked not to be named.
“We’re the ones paying our taxes and following the rules — and we’re the ones who get targeted when the criminals move in.”
Retailers have until 1 October to apply for a tobacco licence. For more information, visit the NSW Health website or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
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