WA public strongly backs tough new laws to shut down illicit tobacco and vape shops

New research shows Western Australians overwhelmingly support immediate shop closure powers and stronger enforcement to crack down on illegal tobacco and vapes — and ACOSH is calling on all MPs to back the reforms now before Parliament and pass them without delay.

The research, conducted by the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer (CBRC), shows the public is deeply concerned about the scale and visibility of illegal tobacco — and wants decisive action to stop it.

Seventy per cent (70%) of Western Australians support allowing enforcement officers to immediately shut down any shop caught selling illegal tobacco or vapes — a clear endorsement of the closure powers proposed in the new legislation.

Key findings for Western Australia:

• 70% support immediate shutdown powers for shops selling illicit tobacco and vapes;
• 71% support the government acting quickly to close gaps allowing illicit tobacco sales;
• More than half say local shops that sell tobacco illegally make their community feel less safe;
• Two-thirds believe illicit tobacco is easy to access right now.

ACOSH CEO Laura Hunter said the findings show the Government’s proposed reforms align with strong public expectations.

“The message from the community is clear. People want stronger enforcement, tougher penalties and real consequences for retailers doing the wrong thing,” Ms Hunter said.

Ms Hunter said the Government’s newly introduced legislation reflects what communities across Perth and regional WA have been calling for.

“Illicit tobacco is no longer hidden. It is visible in suburbs and country towns, and people are concerned about the impact on community safety and health.”

“We want to see closure orders used, retailers selling illicit products shut down, and the profits driving this trade disrupted. That means closure notices plastered on shopfronts so communities can see illegal operators are being held to account.”

The research examined Western Australians’ perceptions of tobacco availability, the scale of the illicit market, and public support for stronger enforcement and regulatory action.

ACOSH said the Government’s reforms are an important step and urged swift passage and strong enforcement once enacted.

ENDS 

Media Contact

Amy Howell
Communications Advisor
ahowell@acosh.org

About ACOSH 

ACOSH is an independent, non-government, not for profit coalition which represents 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.