The government pledges to deploy police resources for enforcement while balancing other public safety priorities, signaling that the crackdown is just beginning with more action anticipated in coming days, weeks, and months.

NSW Health Secretary can apply to the Local Court for extended closure orders if breaches are established.

Two Sydney stores suspected of selling illicit tobacco were shut for 90 days under new laws, marking the first use of powers to close outlets tied to illegal tobacco and vaping products.

The Minns government argues high tobacco excise fuels organized crime and a booming illicit market, pressing the federal government to ease excise while noting a 14-year low in tobacco excise revenue.

NSW Health inspectors ramp up enforcement, seizing 3,860 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes during closure actions and inspections of related outlets.

From early last year through late October, inspectors seized more than 11.8 million cigarettes, over 2,000 kg of illicit tobacco, and about 170,000 illegal vaping goods from around 1,260 retailers, with an estimated street value of $18.9 million.

Ongoing investigations and prosecutions in court may follow as part of the enforcement push.

The new Public Health (Tobacco) Act increases penalties for selling tobacco without a licence to up to $660,000 for individuals and $880,000 for corporations, and allows long-term closure orders of up to 12 months for breaches.

Penalties for selling tobacco without a licence were heightened under the act.

Local courts may issue long-term 12-month closure orders for breaches of illicit tobacco and vaping regulations.

Premier Chris Minns criticizes federal tobacco taxes for driving the black market and says enforcement will intensify to curb illicit tobacco and vaping.

A new NSW tobacco licensing scheme requires retailers and wholesalers to hold valid licences to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products, including annual online applications, criminal records checks, and licence fees.