Ocean Tobacconist has been closed for several months. Photos: Supplied.
Authorities have raided a quiet Capital country street over alleged illicit tobacco products.
Officials visited Ocean Tobacconist, located on Hercules Street in Murrumbateman, on 18 March (Wednesday).
By the following day, a yellow closure notice had been pinned to its door, stating it would be closed for 90 days.
The alert alleges that “a relevant breach [of law] has, or is likely to occur” at the premises regarding the alleged sale of illicit tobacco.
The business has been accused of selling illicit tobacco.
The closure means it cannot reopen until mid-June.
A spokesperson for NSW Police directed questions from Region to NSW Health.
Under laws passed in November 2025, NSW Health (supported by NSW Police) can make short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises allegedly selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods or tobacco without a licence.
In the less than six months since the laws came into effect, NSW Health inspectors issued 105 short-term closure orders across the state, as of early March.
As part of the reforms, the NSW Government also brought in a new offence (the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco) and new penalties for its sale.
Courts 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.
This can also be made if tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products are sold or are likely to be sold without a licence.
NSW Health was contacted for comment about the Murrumbateman closure.
If you suspect a business is doing the wrong thing, you can lodge complaints through the complaints portal on the NSW Health website. A full list of current tobacco closures can be found on the NSW Health website, which is updated each Friday after 3 pm and also contains the alleged reasons for the closure.
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