WA Shuts 6 Shops Under New Tobacco Laws

Six businesses in Western Australia have been ordered to close. This is due to new laws targeting illegal tobacco and vapes, showing a strong government response.
By Newsroom | Crime, Western Australia |

Western Australia's recently enacted stringent laws targeting the illicit tobacco and vaping trade have resulted in the issuance of six closure orders against businesses. These measures, designed to bolster enforcement and public safety, come into effect as authorities report significant seizures of contraband products.

The strengthened legislation, proclaimed on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, empowers WA Health to issue closure orders to premises found involved in the sale or storage of illegal tobacco and vaping items. This action follows a period where WA Health's Tobacco Compliance Unit and WA Police have confiscated substantial quantities of illegal goods.

Recent operations have yielded 141,817 illegal cigarettes, 5.2 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 613 vapes, indicating the scale of the underground market authorities are confronting. The new laws, described as some of the nation's toughest, aim to increase penalties and enhance enforcement capabilities against organised illicit tobacco activities. The Cook Labor Government has also reportedly boosted WA Health's tobacco compliance resources, including additional investigators and closer collaboration with the police force.

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Enforcement Challenges Persist

Despite the new legislative push, authorities have previously acknowledged difficulties in stemming the flow of illegal products. As of January 2026, police officials noted that sellers were rapidly resupplying stock, with authorities struggling to keep pace with the frequency of resupply operations. At that time, the government indicated plans for stronger legislation, though a definitive timeline for introduction remained unconfirmed.

Criticism Regarding Previous Penalties

Prior to the implementation of the current laws, criticism had surfaced regarding the effectiveness of existing penalties. Figures released in February 2026 highlighted that lower penalties had a tangible impact on enforcement efforts, with some arguing that they were insufficient to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade effectively. Alongside the focus on enforcement, calls have been made for a broader approach, including support for smoking cessation programs to reduce the demand for illicit products. Taskforce Maverick, established by WA Police in late November 2025, has been actively investigating illicit tobacco and vape stores.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were six businesses in Western Australia ordered to shut down on May 13, 2026?
Six businesses were shut down because they were found selling or storing illegal tobacco and vaping products, breaking new strict laws in Western Australia.
Q: What are the new tobacco laws in Western Australia?
The new laws, which started on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, allow health authorities to close businesses that sell or store illegal tobacco and vapes. They also aim to increase penalties for these activities.
Q: How much illegal tobacco and vapes were found before these closures?
Before the closures, authorities found 141,817 illegal cigarettes, 5.2 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 613 vapes. This shows the size of the illegal market authorities are fighting.
Q: What happens next with these new laws?
The government has increased resources for health officials to enforce these laws and is working closely with the police. The goal is to stop the illegal tobacco and vaping trade more effectively.