NSW councils seek tighter controls on illicit tobacco retailers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 03:32 · Archive

Local councils in New South Wales are requesting tighter development controls to combat the growing illicit tobacco market.

Local Government NSW member councils are requesting tighter planning controls to combat the flourishing illicit tobacco market. Illegal tobacconists have been firebombed and ram-raided by organised criminals across Australia in recent years, as organised crime competes for territory and control of the profitable black market.

Darcy Byrne, leader of the group and Inner West Mayor, said state governments should require council development approvals before new tobacco retailers can open. 'Councils need the power to stop these shops popping up wherever they like,' he said. 'The requirement for a development approval would let council consider where a tobacconist wants to open, how many are already nearby and how close it is to schools, childcare centres and community facilities.' Byrne wrote to state Health Minister Ryan Park and Planning Minister Paul Scully requesting their engagement.

A government inquiry into NSW's illicit tobacco problem made its report in August. The government is due to formally respond near the end of November. Among the inquiry's recommendations were increased collaboration between state and local government and business groups, consultation on reducing the overall number of tobacconists in each locality, a cap on retail licences, and development approval requirements for stores selling tobacco and nicotine products near schools and community spaces.

How it is being reported

• Councils pitching hands-on black market tobacco fightLocal councils think they can solve the thriving tobacco black market after requesting tighter development controls to halt the spread of illicit retailers.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 02:58
• Councils pitching hands-on black market tobacco fightLocal councils think they can solve the thriving tobacco black market after requesting tighter development controls to halt the spread of illicit retailers.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 02:58

In this story: NSW · Local Government NSW · Darcy Byrne · Inner West · Ryan Park · Paul Scully

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log