Retailers and wholesalers wishing to sell tobacco, or non-tobacco smoking products, must now apply for a licence as part of the NSW Government’s Tobacco Licensing Scheme.
The government says businesses can apply for a licence online using their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.
Applicants are to be required to complete an online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay a yearly licence fee of $1,100.
The government says applications will be screened to check if the applicant has been found guilty of an offence relating to the sale or supply of tobacco or vaping goods under any relevant state, territory, and Commonwealth legislation, which could see them refused a licence.
The new Tobacco Licensing Scheme came into effect on Monday with retailers and wholesalers receiving a grace period until 1 October to apply for licences, which retailers must display at the point of sale.
Anyone caught selling products without a valid licence is subject to maximum penalties of $11,000 for individuals committing their first offence, and $44,000 dollars for a second or subsequent offence.
Companies can be fined $220,000.
The government says NSW Health is doubling its authorised inspectors to 28 to strengthen compliance efforts across the state.
Vaping products may only be sold at pharmacies, where retailers do not need a tobacco licence.
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