The number of tobacconists around the CBD block has been a talking point for Lismore City Councillors and residents for most of 2025, whether they are combined with the 'convenience store' tag.

There has been an ongoing debate about the high federal government taxes on tobacco that has seen smokers turn to purchasing illegal tobacco products in droves. That has meant legal tobacco sales have decreased from 11 billion in 2022 to a forecast 1.9 billion in 2026, while illegal sales have increased from 3.1 billion to a forecast 8 billion in 2026.

The government's answer has been to spend more money on policing the sale of illegal tobacco products following an increase in fines and prison sentences through NSW legislation changes.

A recent visit by NSW Health, supported by officers from the Richmond Police District, reduced the number of tobacconists by two. The raids resulted in the closure of the shops for three months under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008.

Woodlark Convenience and Keen Street Tobacconist were issued a short-term closure order for:

a. The sale of illicit tobacco

b. The retail sale of tobacco products or non-tobacco smoking products by a person who does not hold a retail licence that is in effect.

There were other short-term closure orders in the Northern Rivers, which include:

• Ballina - Ballina Tobacconist on Tamar Street and River Street Tobacconist
• Grafton - The Premises at 36 Prince Street and Grafton Tobacconist on King Street

The NSW Health Secretary or delegate can issue a short-term closure order of up to 90 days if the Secretary or delegate reasonably suspects illicit tobacco or illegal vaping goods have been or are likely to be sold from the premises, or tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products have been or are likely to be sold or are likely to be sold without a licence.

A NSW Local Court can issue a long-term closure order of up to one year if it is satisfied that illicit tobacco or illegal vaping goods have been or are likely to be sold from the premises, or tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products have been or are likely to be sold or are likely to be sold without a licence.