NSW Launches New Tobacco Licensing Scheme to Strengthen Smoking Laws and Cancer Prevention

Big changes have come into effect in New South Wales this month. From 1 July 2025, all retailers and wholesalers who sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products must now hold a valid licence to operate. With this new licensing scheme, NSW joins nearly every other Australian state and territory in tightening tobacco regulations and stepping up public health protections.

At Quit Hero, we fully support this move. Stronger regulation means fewer people start smoking, more support for those trying to quit, and healthier communities overall.

Why This Matters

Tobacco is still the leading preventable cause of death and disease in NSW. Every year, it’s responsible for:

• 6,700 deaths

• 62,900 hospitalisations

With two out of three people who smoke dying from smoking-related illnesses, the impact is devastating. The economic toll is just as staggering — an estimated $8.4 billion in social costs each year.

This reform isn’t just smart health policy — it’s necessary.

What the New Licensing Scheme Requires

Starting July 2025, any business that sells tobacco or related smoking products in NSW must:

• Apply for a licence online

• Pay an annual licensing fee

• Pass a screening process (previous tobacco or vape-related offences are considered)

• Comply with all relevant laws — or risk having their licence revoked

This gives NSW Health clearer oversight and ensures that only responsible, compliant retailers are allowed to sell these products.

“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 Illegal Sales

With these changes come tougher penalties for those who break the rules:

For individuals selling without a licence:

• $11,000 for a first offence

• $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence

For corporations:

• Up to $220,000 in fines

These penalties, along with licensing fees, will help fund enforcement and ensure the system works as intended.

More Inspectors, More Accountability

NSW Health has also doubled the number of inspectors monitoring tobacco retailers across the state. This means:

• More spot checks

• Greater enforcement of the rules

• Stronger deterrents against illegal tobacco sales

This added oversight is especially important in addressing the black market tobacco trade, which has been a growing concern in NSW.

Building on Vaping Reform

This new licensing scheme builds on the vaping reforms introduced in July 2024, which limited vape sales — regardless of nicotine content — to pharmacies only, as part of medically supervised quitting or nicotine dependence management.

Together, these policies are part of a broader public health strategy that limits access to harmful products and promotes evidence-based support for quitting.

A Win for Advocacy and Public Health

This policy didn’t happen overnight. Cancer Council NSW has played a key role in pushing for these changes by:

• Sharing data and insights with decision-makers

• Advocating through its Tobacco Control Unit

• Engaging with communities and MPs to highlight the long-term benefits of licensing

Their continued efforts helped drive meaningful change for the health of all New South Welshmen.

What It Means for You

For people trying to quit smoking — or avoid starting — these changes matter. Stricter controls mean tobacco becomes harder to access, especially for young people and vulnerable communities.

At Quit Hero, we believe that every barrier between tobacco and the community helps build a healthier future. And every step that makes quitting easier is a step worth taking.

Need Help Quitting?

Quitting isn’t easy — but you're not alone. Whether you're just starting or trying again, we’re here to help with:

• Expert support

• Practical tools and guides

• Realistic, compassionate advice

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