3 March 2025
More enforcement is needed to stop illegal tobacco trade, says Quit Tasmania
There are reports of pop-up stores appearing in Tasmania selling illicit tobacco.
A caller in the north west of Tasmania tells Leon Compton on ABC Tasmania Mornings that he "can't blame" those buying from illegal sellers since they sell it cheaper.
The director of Quit Tasmania, Abby Smith, says controlling the tobacco industry is primarily an enforcement problem, not a tax problem.
“There’s lots of evidence over many years to show that price and taxes is one of the best ways to encourage people to quit,” Ms Smith said.
Abby Smith Is Extremely Wrong & Here Is why:
Price Increases Drive Black Market GrowthWhile raising cigarette prices can reduce smoking rates to some extent, excessive taxation without accessible alternatives can inadvertently fuel a booming illicit market. This has been evident in Australia, where stringent vaping regulations combined with high cigarette prices have led to a significant rise in the black market for both illicit tobacco and vapes.
Enforcement Alone Is InsufficientStrict enforcement measures can only address part of the issue. Without providing safer alternatives like regulated vaping products, demand for illicit products persists, especially among disadvantaged groups and those who struggle to quit smoking using traditional methods.
What Works Better: A Balanced Approach
Evidence shows that regulated, affordable access to safer alternatives like vaping products is crucial. Vaping has proven to be one of the most effective smoking cessation tools available and is substantially less harmful than smoking.
The best public health strategy is a combination of:
Providing accessible, regulated nicotine vaping products as a safer alternative.
Strict enforcement against the black market, combined with education campaigns promoting harm reduction.