ACOSH Applauds Lotterywest for Cracking Down on Illegal Tobacco and Vape Sales
The Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) has issued a strong warning to retailers engaging in illegal tobacco and vape sales, following decisive action by Lotterywest that has resulted in seven businesses being removed from the Lotterywest network.On 22 October, ACOSH released the results of an audit of 103 retail outlets, including newsagents, convenience and gift stores across 56 Perth suburbs.
ACOSH has commended Lotterywest for its swift and decisive action terminating its agreements with seven businesses identified as part of the Lotterywest retail network. The message is clear: retailers who profit from selling unlawful tobacco and vaping products will face serious consequences.
“We applaud Lotterywest for stepping up”, said ACOSH CEO Laura Hunter. “There are retailers all over Western Australia selling deadly and addictive products in broad daylight”.
The audit revealed widespread illegal tobacco and vape availability across Perth, extending well beyond the CBD into suburban areas, with half (50%) of retail outlets visited selling illegal tobacco and/or illegal vapes.
While significant legislative reforms to strengthen enforcement are expected to be introduced by the WA State Government next year, ACOSH says it is good to see government agencies taking responsibility and using existing powers to disrupt the illegal market.
“It’s positive to see agencies like Lotterywest taking proactive action to protect the community,” Ms Hunter said. “This shows what can be done immediately while we wait for the broader reforms”.
Illegal vape and tobacco sales undermine decades of tobacco control progress, fuel organised crime, and make addictive products cheaper and easier to access – particularly for young people.
ACOSH will continue monitoring unlawful sales and advocating for strong enforcement to protect Western Australians from the harms of illegal tobacco and vape products.
ENDS
Media Contact
Amy Howell
Communications Advisor
ahowell@acosh.org
About ACOSH
ACOSH is an independent, non-government, not for profit coalition which represents 31 prominent health, research, social service and community organisations with a shared concern about smoking and vaping and their harmful consequences.
ACOSH has been a leading advocate for all the regulatory and legislative changes to reduce the impact of smoking on the Australian community and is supported by Healthway — the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation.