Concern over the growing presence of illegal tobacco and vape stores in the community has seen Mayor Helen Blackburn urge the State Government to step up regulation and enforcement efforts.
The action is part of Council’s advocacy commitments under the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project which looks to create holistic change for the Bundaberg CBD and the wider region.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn has written to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Timothy Nicholls requesting more action, transparency and guidance around illegal tobacco and vape stores.
In her letter, she congratulated the Queensland Government on the actions taken so far to limit illegal tobacco and vapes sales and encouraged the government to increase Queensland Health resources to prioritise enforcement.
Among the further opportunities for reform Mayor Blackburn raised:
- Greater transparency and accountability by publishing data on closure notices, seizure and forfeiture of goods and landlord penalties.
- Improved public reporting methods to reduce barriers to public reports on illegal activity. This could include reducing the level of proof required, simplifying the reporting process and the promotion of reporting channels.
- Working with the Federal Government to review the regulation of private ATMs to prevent them from operating in tobacconists.
- Developing clear guidance, education materials and outreach targeting commercial landlords in CBDs. This will ensure landlords who are not members of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia are also aware of their new obligations.
- Undertaking a review of the tobacco retail licensing regime to ensure it is working as intended. This should include consideration of capping new licences with the aim to reduce the number of licences over time. This will prevent operators of illegal stores from obtaining a new licence under different name. Further changes could include increased governance arrangements, security, and reporting requirements, as well as increased probity checks and community consultation such as those required for liquor licensing.
- Work with licenced retailers to promote Queensland Quitline’s support programs to reduce the demand for illegal products.
“Local communities right throughout our state are being impacted by homelessness, housing shortages and the illegal trade of tobacco and vapes,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Our Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project is bringing together relevant local agencies and organisations who can help but these are not Local Government matters.
“We need a state-led response and a coordinated approach that will help us and the many other Queensland Councils in a similar position.”
Find out more about the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places initiative here.
