- Proposed amendment to require planning approval for convenience stores selling tobacco products
- Changes will make it harder for stores selling tobacco to open
- Public consultation open from Monday, 26 October until Friday, 4 December
- Part of Cook Labor Government’s crackdown on illicit tobacco trade
The Cook Labor Government is proposing stronger planning regulations for new convenience stores intending to sell tobacco, making it harder to establish stores selling tobacco as part of its crackdown on the illicit tobacco and vape trade.
The proposed changes to Western Australia’s Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 would require the majority of new convenience stores intending to sell tobacco products to obtain planning approval.
These State-wide changes will give local governments greater powers over proposed stores and a stronger say in what opens in their communities, while providing opportunities for residents to have their say through the development approval process.
The proposal complements tobacco laws strengthened earlier this year, which gave authorities greater compliance and enforcement powers to disrupt the illegal trade.
Since the strengthened laws came into effect in May, 89 closure orders have been issued. The Department of Health has conducted around 400 inspections, seizing more than four million illegal cigarettes, one tonne of loose-leaf tobacco, and 13,000 vapes.
Further tobacco reforms are expected to be introduced to Parliament in early 2027, strengthening licensing requirements and giving landlords greater powers to evict tenants involved in the illicit trade.
Public consultation on the draft amendment will run from Monday, 26 October until Friday, 4 December.
As stated by Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
“We’re using the planning system to add another hurdle for new convenience stores wanting to sell tobacco, with greater scrutiny before they open their doors.
“These proposals would give local governments a stronger role in assessing new stores and their impact on the surrounding community.
“Planning rules are another part of our government’s response to the illicit tobacco trade, alongside stronger laws and enforcement against illegal operators.
“We encourage local governments, businesses, and community members to have their say on these proposed changes.”
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“These proposals build on the strong action we’re already taking to disrupt the illegal tobacco and vape trade across Western Australia.
“The Department of Health’s tobacco enforcement team is using our strengthened laws to seize illegal products and close premises, working alongside WA Police and Commonwealth agencies.
“Our reforms are part of ongoing efforts to keep disrupting the business model of the illicit tobacco trade and cracking down on dodgy businesses looking to profit from these harmful products.”
