Mr Griffin said the community has had enough of these stores popping up at our local shops, near our schools, and on our beachfronts. Recent figures show there are now 60 tobacco stores in Sydney for every McDonald’s restaurant, with NSW Health data confirming a 25 per cent increase in tobacconists across the state in just four years.
“It’s clear the current measures aren’t working. Through this petition, I am urging the NSW Government to implement meaningful reforms that address the unchecked growth of tobacco retailers, including changes to state and local government planning controls,” said Mr Griffin.
Potential reforms could include stricter assessment of store locations, consideration of development application requirements for tobacconists, and a cap on the number of tobacco stores per post code or Local Government Area.
Mr Griffin also highlighted the need for a more effective compliance and enforcement regime, saying the responsibility should no longer fall solely on NSW Health.
“My petition also calls on the NSW Government to establish a dedicated multi-agency approach, bringing together NSW Police, NSW Health, and Liquor and Gaming to crack down on non-compliant and illegal operators,” said Mr Griffin.
“Communities should have a say in what kind of businesses are opening near their schools and shopping centres. We need to look seriously at whether these stores are appropriate in certain locations and assess the kind of benefits they offer our local communities. If you share these concerns, please consider signing my petition.”
Mr Griffin’s petition, ‘Tobacco Stores: Enough is Enough’, can be accessed at the following link: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6855846/tobacco-stores-enough-is-enough
In addition, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the illegal tobacco trade, initiated by the NSW Liberal Opposition, is now accepting submissions until 1 August 2025. To lodge a submission, visit: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3100#tab-submissions
Last modified: June 22, 2025
