Concerted action needed to stop illicit tobacco sales

Despite my prediction of more tobacco shop fire-bombings on the Central Coast (CCN 453), I was shocked to read in the same edition of a second tobacconist firebombing, this time at Charmhaven.

Although the story mentions that the regulation of retail tobacco shops is under the jurisdiction of NSW Health it is evident that to avoid escalation of the tobacco wars, more proactive engagement to address this problem is also required by NSW Police and Central Coast Council.

It seems rather futile for NSW Police to see their role as investigating gang crime after it has been perpetrated in our community or following someone being seriously hurt or killed.

We would rather that NSW Police, through its Raptor Force, raid tobacco shops with gang links and shut them down to prevent further crimes.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration website states that non-pharmacy retailers such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores cannot sell any type of vape and the advertising or promotion of vapes is prohibited, except where specifically authorised.

And yet, two months after the legislation passed through Parliament on July 1, we still see tobacconists on the Central Coast promoting and selling vapes in clear sight of those responsible for enforcement of the laws.

Although l note the problem has been “discussed” at the Regional Advisory Council meeting, the community now needs to see concerted action to stop the problem of illicit tobacco supply on the Central Coast escalating even further.

The health and safety of our next generation depends on it.

Email, Aug 30
Tahir Turk, Wamberal