Legal cigarette sales jump 55 per cent in Queensland after black market crackdown
Legal tobacco sales in Queensland increased by 55% following a government crackdown on illegal retailers. The federal government is using this data to argue against reducing tobacco excise taxes, despite pressure from opposition parties.
Why it matters
The data provides a case study for the effectiveness of enforcement-led strategies versus tax-reduction strategies in managing the illicit tobacco market.
Cigarette sales are down at independent retailers as illegal tobacco booms. ( ABC South East SA: Josh Brine )
Legal tobacco sales rose 55 per cent in Queensland after the state legislated stronger powers to shut illegal shops.
Calls to Quitline more than doubled in the days after major enforcement operations, suggesting the crackdown may encourage some smokers to quit.
The federal government is expected to use Queensland as an example as it pushes back on calls to reduce the tobacco excise to make legal cigarettes competitive with the black market.
Link copied Share Share article Legal cigarette sales rose sharply in Queensland after the state gained stronger powers to shut illegal shops, while the national market remained largely flat at the same time.
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