Retailers must display health warnings and other notices in retail outlets where tobacco products, e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories are sold, including vending machines under the
Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 and the
Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022.
Note: For more information in relation to legislative requirements for the compulsory health warning signs please refer to the
Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 and the
Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022.
Health warning at point of sale
A health warning sign must be displayed so it can be easily seen at the point of sale of tobacco products. It must be clearly visible to customers, so no part of the sign should be obstructed. If there is no room on the wall, then the sign may be suspended from the ceiling. If you find that the standard sign does not fit in the space you have available, you may have your own sign made, long as it complies with these requirements:
- black writing on a white background
- between 50 and 100cm wide and have an area not less than 2,000cm² but not more than 3200cm²; and
- text size and empty space in similar proportions to the standard sign.
The health warning is illustrated in Form 1 in Schedule 1 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022 and is shown below.
Notice regarding sales to minors at point of sale
Retailers selling tobacco products, e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories are required to display a notice about sales to minors. The notice states that it is illegal to sell tobacco products or e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 years. This sign must be placed so it can be easily seen at the point of sale.
This sign must be clearly visible and clearly legible. The sign must be:
- at least 15cm high and 21cm wide
- with black text on a white background
The sign is illustrated in Form 2 in Schedule 1 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022 and is shown below:
Statement as to point of sale of tobacco on retail premises
Retailers can put up a sign to let customers know which cash register is being used for tobacco sales as long as:
they sell products other than tobacco products, non-tobacco smoking products or smoking accessories; and
the shop or retail outlet has more than one cash register.
The sign must conform to the following requirements:
wording of “Tobacco sold at this cash register only”
black lettering on a white background and be no larger in size than 60 point type; and
the total sign size is no larger than 21cm high X 30 cm wide (A4).
Retailers can make their own signs as long as they meet the requirements set out in Regulation 18 in the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2016.
This sign is not compulsory.
Retailers can only put up one of these signs. Multiple signs are not permitted.
Health warning on vending machines
Tobacco vending machines may only be placed in restricted areas of liquor licensed premises such as in pubs, and in bar or poker machine areas of clubs. Tobacco vending machine operators are required by law to prominently display the Smoking Kills Call the Quitline 13 78 48 or 13 QUIT signage on the front of all tobacco vending machines with the following requirements:
- black writing on a white background
- have an area not less than 1000cm²
- text size and empty space in similar proportions to the standard sign.
Notice regarding sales to minors on vending machines
The notice states that it is illegal to sell tobacco products or e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 years. The sign must be displayed on tobacco or e-cigarettes vending machines.
The sign must:
- at last 15 cm high and at least 21 cm wide
- with black text on a white background.
The sign is illustrated in Form 2 in Schedule 1 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Regulation 2022 and is shown below:
Where do I get these signs?
Compulsory signs are provided free of charge to retailers when they register for a free Retailer Identification Number via
Service NSW.
Signs can also be ordered by emailing NSW tobacco control resources at
MOH-PopulationHealthResources@health.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 655 957.
Further information
For further information about tobacco control please see
Tobacco and Smoking Control in NSW or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412. The Tobacco Information Line can be accessed by non-English speaking persons via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.
