Shoalhaven Mayor Councillor Patricia White has acknowledged the progress the NSW Government has made in recent months in their efforts to curb the sale of illicit tobacco products and shut down unethical retailers.
Over the weekend, it was reported more than 50 tobacco stores across the state, including in Shoalhaven, selling illicit products had been issued 90-day closure notices, since the Minns Government introduced new laws in November last year to crack down on these operators.
Authorities have also reportedly seized an enormous quantity of illegal tobacco products, ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
I am proud of Shoalhaven City Council’s advocacy in this space. Last year we joined several NSW Local Government organisations in repeatedly calling for changes to statewide planning laws that would give us more ability to consider, and if appropriate, refuse the operation of these dangerous outlets in our towns and villages.
I applaud the NSW Government for its continued work to address this important issue and hope to see as part of this, practical and sensible reforms to the NSW planning system in the near future to enable Councils to play a role in better managing the growth of these outlets.
I would also like to take the opportunity to remind residents to report any suspicious activity or sales of illicit tobacco in the Shoalhaven to NSW Health via the various methods set up by the NSW Government in response.
