News
28 February, 2025
Illegal vape sales fined over $40,000
Businesses ignoring Queensland’s smoking laws are being warned by West Moreton Health that they will get caught, with those struggling with nicotine addition being encouraged to seek support.
In a significant public health win, one company was fined $45,000 plus $2,250 in professional costs by the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 17 January 2025 for selling illicit tobacco and vapes, as well as breaching regulations on the display and advertising of smoking products. Just days later, on 20 January 2025, another business that sold vapes was fined $40,000 plus $250 in professional costs for unlawfully supplying nicotine, a hazardous poison.
These prosecutions reflect the critical role the West Moreton Public Health Unit plays in protecting the community by enforcing smoking laws and reducing access to harmful, unregulated products. West Moreton has one of Queensland’s highest smoking rates, and many rely on illicit vapes to manage nicotine addiction.
The West Moreton Public Health Unit’s Environmental Health Officers are responsible for investigating complaints, monitoring businesses, and enforcing compliance to protect community health. The prosecutions followed public complaints that led to formal investigations.
Queensland’s crackdown on illegal tobacco and vape sales tightened in September 2024, granting authorities the power to shut down businesses for up to six months if they continue selling illicit products or operate without a smoking product licence.
