Key Takeaways
- The Tasmanian House of Assembly has passed the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026.
- Maximum fines for selling tobacco products to minors would rise to A$41,000 for a first offence, A$82,000 for a second offence, and A$164,000 for a third and subsequent offence.
- The Secretary of the Department of Health would be able to issue short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises reasonably suspected of illegal sales.
- The Appeal Tribunal would be able to order premises to close for up to 12 months.
- The bill also bans sales of smoking products via vending machines and prohibits the public display of smoking paraphernalia such as hookahs and bongs.
2Firsts, April 23，2026
The Tasmanian House of Assembly has passed tough new legislation aimed at cracking down on the sale of smoking products to children and curbing the illicit tobacco trade. Under the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026, businesses caught selling tobacco products to minors would face significantly steeper, tiered fines.
Higher tiered fines would apply for sales to minors
Under the new penalty structure, maximum fines would be A$41,000 for a first offence, A$82,000 for a second offence, and A$164,000 for a third and subsequent offence. The bill would impose heavier penalties on those who sell tobacco products to children.
The bill introduces new powers to shut down illicit businesses
Beyond youth sales, the bill also introduces new powers to close businesses dealing in illicit tobacco and vapes. Under the proposed legislation, the Secretary of the Department of Health would be able to issue short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises reasonably suspected of illegal sales.
The Appeal Tribunal could order closure for up to 12 months
The legislation provides that the Appeal Tribunal would have the authority to order premises to close for up to 12 months.
Vending machine sales and public display of smoking paraphernalia would be banned
The bill also strictly bans the sale of smoking products via vending machines, with heavy penalties attached. It further prohibits the public display of smoking paraphernalia such as hookahs and bongs.
Health minister says illicit products undermine tobacco control efforts
Health Minister Bridget Archer welcomed the bill’s passage through the House and said illicit products “undermine our efforts to reduce smoking and nicotine addiction, and they’re often sold in ways that deliberately target teenagers.”
Police minister says the law sends a strong message to criminal gangs
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the tougher laws send a strong message to criminal gangs and would help prevent the organised crime and intimidation tactics seen interstate from taking hold in Tasmania.
The bill will next go to the Legislative Council
The bill will next be considered by the Legislative Council.
Photo credit: the mercury
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