By Sean Tarek Goodwin

Topic: Smoking

Thursday, 28 May 2026, 11:08 am

NSW Health closed four EzyMart stores in Sydney for 90 days.

In short:

NSW Health closed 17 stores in Sydney for selling illegal tobacco and vapes.

Four of the closed stores are EzyMart shops.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says high tobacco taxes help the black market.

A big retail company will stop working with an operator after some Sydney stores were closed for selling illegal tobacco and vapes.

NSW Health closed 17 stores in Sydney, including four EzyMart shops.

EzyMart has over 490 stores in Australia.

The company posted a statement on the closed stores' windows.

The statement said the company is ending its contract with the operator.

EzyMart said it supports NSW Health's actions against illegal vaping products.

EzyMart does not allow the sale of illegal products and is working with authorities.

Health Minister Ryan Park talked to 702 ABC Sydney about the issue.

Minister Park said the government is investigating illegal tobacco trades.

EzyMart has many stores across Australia.

Minister critical of tobacco taxes

Minister Park said high tobacco taxes drive people to buy illegal products.

It's hard to stop illegal tobacco sales when legal products are very expensive.

Australia has some of the highest cigarette prices in the world.

The government increased tobacco taxes to reduce smoking.

Cigarette prices are very high in Australia.

The federal government increased tobacco taxes again in 2023.

A convenience store group wants the government to lower tobacco taxes.

The group said the black market for tobacco is growing.

The federal government has spent a lot of money on stopping illegal tobacco sales.

The treasurer's office was asked for comment.

The treasurer said high tobacco taxes help people quit smoking.

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