Tobacco crackdown hits Nambour CBD

Nambour Gift Centre & Tobacco in Lowe Street Nambour.

By Cameron Outridge

Queensland Health officers served an interim closure order on a Nambour CBD business last week (2.50pm on May 7) suspending trade for 72 hours under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998. The notice alleges the premises, Nambour Gift Centre & Tobacco, at 40–42 Lowe Street supplied illicit tobacco or nicotine products, carrying on-the-spot fines up to $32,260 for individuals or $161,300 for businesses.

The action was part of Operation Appaloosa, the Crisafulli Government’s campaign that this month seized more than 19 million illicit cigarettes, 76,000 unregulated vapes and 3.6 tonnes of loose tobacco across Queensland. Health Minister Tim Nicholls introduced Australia’s highest fines to deter sale and possession of illegal vapes and tobacco.

Nambour’s central business district has seen an increase in tobacco and vape outlets in recent years.

Federal crime agencies warn that outlaw motorcycle gangs and syndicates view illicit tobacco as low-risk, high-reward and are exploiting rising legal prices to undercut the market. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission identifies domestic manufacture, importation and distribution of illegal tobacco as a key income stream for serious offenders.

Under the interim closure, anyone found supplying smoking products or working in such a business faces prosecution. The order takes effect on service and lasts 72 hours. Any extension or further action would require a court order. There is no suggestion of organised crime associations at the Nambour business.

Mr Nicholls said illegal chop shops had been allowed to operate in plain sight across the State, “putting our kids at great risk”.

“We need to do everything possible to keep dangerous illegal vapes away from Queensland’s young people, which is why we’ve boosted enforcement and introduced serious new fines.

“More than $5 million in fines were issued in the first week of Queensland’s new penalties. And we’re just getting started.”