First Closure Orders Under New Tobacco Laws
Western Australia has issued six store closure orders and seized thousands of illegal tobacco products under new, stricter laws.Summary
The Cook Labor Government in Western Australia has implemented stringent new tobacco and vaping laws to combat organized crime and protect public health. Since the laws took effect on May 13, authorities have issued six closure orders to businesses in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Bunbury, and Perth, while seizing over 140,000 illegal cigarettes, 5.2 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 613 vapes.
The legislation introduces severe penalties, including fines up to $4.2 million for individuals and $21 million for companies, along with potential 15-year prison sentences for possessing large commercial quantities of illicit products. Additionally, vaping is now banned wherever smoking is prohibited. Health Minister Meredith Hammat and Police Minister Reece Whitby emphasized that these measures serve as a warning to illegal operators, with further legislation planned later this year to tighten licensing requirements.
(Source：Mirage News)
