Several tobacco shops in Brisbane’s West End were shut down without warning this week after authorities found they were likely selling illegal nicotine and tobacco products.
Premises Shut Down Under State Law
On Tuesday, 13 May, Queensland Health officers and police raided five businesses in the inner-south suburb. Four of them were served with interim closure orders, forcing them to stop trading for 72 hours. The action came under Section 209A of the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998.
One of the stores, A1 Convenience on Vulture Street, had two official notices taped to its front door. The warnings were sealed with bright green tape marked “SEIZED,” showing that products may have been confiscated. Another store, West End Tobacconist on Boundary Street, was also closed. Both shops were accused of supplying smoking products without a licence.
Officials Acted After Warnings Went Ignored
Authorities said they had inspected the businesses several times in the past and given warnings about illegal sales. However, the shops allegedly continued to sell banned items such as nicotine vapes and unlicensed tobacco.
Queensland Health stated there was reasonable suspicion that the stores were trading in a way that broke the law. Under the Act, supplying or being involved in the supply of smoking products without a proper licence can result in fines of up to $322,600.
Community Concerns Rising
The West End community has seen an increase in small shops selling vapes and tobacco in recent years. Local residents have raised concerns about how easy it is for young people to access these products.
Health officers are using new powers to issue rapid closure orders and conduct surprise inspections. These temporary closures are one way the state is trying to deal with a growing illegal market.
Crackdown Linked To Broader Effort
This action is part of a state-wide push to crack down on the illegal tobacco trade, which authorities say is linked to organised crime and costing millions in lost tax revenue.
While Queensland Health has not named the other shops involved, it is clear that more enforcement efforts are underway. The government has flagged the possibility of tougher penalties in the future, including longer closures and even jail time for serious breaches.
Published 14-May-2025
