
Hookah, also known as shisha, is legal in Australia, but it is subject to national tobacco laws and specific state and territory regulations. Hookah tobacco sales are allowed across the country, provided they comply with packaging and labeling requirements. However, smoking hookah in enclosed public spaces is generally prohibited. The sale and use of hookah are subject to specific regulations, and Australia has strict tobacco laws and high tobacco taxes. There are limits to the amount of tobacco that can be brought into the country, and individuals importing tobacco may face fines or imprisonment if caught.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of hookah in Australia | Hookah is legal in Australia, but subject to national tobacco laws and specific state and territory regulations. |
| Sale of hookah tobacco | Allowed nationwide, provided it complies with packaging and labeling requirements. |
| Smoking hookah in public spaces | Generally prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes. |
| Importing hookah tobacco | Allowed in limited quantities for personal use, with duty and tax implications. |
| Age restrictions | Illegal to sell or supply tobacco products, including hookah, to individuals under the age of 18. |
| Illicit trade | Heavy fines and imprisonment for those involved in the illicit trade of tobacco products, including hookah tobacco. |
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What You'll Learn
- Shisha/hookah is legal in Australia but subject to tobacco laws and state regulations
- It is illegal to smoke in a car with a minor present
- Tobacco products are illegal when taxes haven't been paid
- Shisha tobacco sales are allowed if they meet packaging and labelling requirements
- Shisha smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes

Shisha/hookah is legal in Australia but subject to tobacco laws and state regulations
Shisha, also known as hookah, is legal in Australia, but it is subject to tobacco laws and state regulations. While the sale and use of shisha are permitted, they must comply with specific regulations. These regulations vary across Australia's states and territories, with some commonalities.
In New South Wales (NSW), the sale of shisha tobacco is allowed, but it must be labelled as a tobacco product and meet packaging requirements. Smoking shisha in enclosed public spaces is prohibited, except for some licensed premises. Victoria follows similar regulations, with shisha tobacco permitted for sale as long as it complies with packaging and labeling requirements. Smoking shisha is banned in enclosed public spaces, including hookah lounges and restaurants. Queensland also permits the legal sale of shisha tobacco, provided it adheres to the packaging and labeling rules for tobacco products. However, smoking shisha in enclosed public spaces and supplying it to customers is prohibited.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) allows the sale of shisha tobacco, provided it meets specific packaging and labeling requirements. Smoking shisha in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes, is prohibited in the ACT. In most Australian states and territories, smoking shisha in restaurants and cafes is generally not allowed due to smoke-free laws.
Bringing shisha into Australia is possible, but there are restrictions on the amount of tobacco that can be imported. It is important to declare the amount and be aware of the applicable duties and taxes. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in confiscation and fines.
While shisha is legal in Australia, it is subject to the same regulations as other tobacco products regarding sale, advertising, and usage. These regulations aim to reduce smoking rates and tobacco-related harm in the community.
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It is illegal to smoke in a car with a minor present
Hookah, also known as shisha, is legal in Australia, but it is subject to national tobacco laws and specific state and territory regulations. While the sale of shisha tobacco is permitted in some states, it must adhere to strict packaging and labelling requirements. In addition, smoking shisha is generally prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes, with some states imposing a complete ban on smoking in public spaces.
In Australia, the focus is on reducing smoking rates and tobacco-related harm. This is achieved through excise taxes on tobacco products, tobacco advertising bans, plain packaging laws, laws on smoking in public spaces, and age restrictions on tobacco sales. These laws are in place to protect public health, particularly that of young people, and to reduce the illicit tobacco trade.
One such law prohibits smoking in a car when a minor is present. This law is in effect across all states and territories in Australia. A minor is defined as someone under the age of 16, 17, or 18, depending on the specific state or territory. This means that smoking in an enclosed space with a minor is illegal and can result in legal consequences.
It is important to note that Australia has strict regulations regarding the amount of tobacco one can bring into the country. Individuals are advised to carefully review the duty-free concessions on the Australian Border Force website before travelling to Australia with tobacco products. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in confiscation and fines.
In summary, while hookah or shisha is legal in Australia, it is subject to strict tobacco control measures. These measures include high taxes, packaging requirements, restrictions on smoking in public spaces, and laws prohibiting smoking in cars with minors present. These laws are in place to protect public health, particularly that of minors, and to reduce the negative impacts of tobacco use in Australia.
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Tobacco products are illegal when taxes haven't been paid
Australia has strict laws and measures in place to reduce the illicit tobacco trade. Tobacco products are illegal when taxes haven't been paid. The Australian Border Force enforces these laws under the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023. This Act includes the ban on smokeless tobacco products and the sale or supply of tobacco products to people under the age of 18.
The Australian Government has established the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner to combat the illicit tobacco trade. Illicit tobacco manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and those found in possession of illicit tobacco face severe consequences, including up to 10 years imprisonment and heavy fines. The enforcement of these laws is a joint effort between the Australian Government and state and territory government law enforcement agencies.
To further deter illegal activity, the government has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Offences) Bill, which increases penalties for tobacco offences. The penalty amount is calculated based on penalty units, with each unit valued at $330 as of November 7, 2024. The tobacco tax gap, the difference between estimated and actual excise revenue, resulted in an estimated loss of $2.7 billion in excise revenue for 2022-23. This revenue loss funds organised criminal activities instead of essential community services.
Individuals attempting to bring tobacco into Australia must pay all relevant duties and taxes at the border and ensure compliance with Australian laws. There are limits to the amount of tobacco that can be brought into the country, and customs officials take border security and the enforcement of these limits seriously. It is important to declare the amount of tobacco being brought into the country and pay the associated taxes to avoid legal consequences.
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Shisha tobacco sales are allowed if they meet packaging and labelling requirements
Shisha, also known as hookah, is legal in Australia. However, it is subject to national tobacco laws and specific state and territory regulations. While the sale of shisha tobacco is permitted in Australia, it must comply with packaging and labelling requirements.
In New South Wales, the sale of shisha tobacco is allowed, but it must be labelled as a tobacco product and adhere to specific packaging standards. Similarly, in Victoria, shisha tobacco can be sold as long as it meets the packaging and labelling requirements. Queensland also permits the sale of shisha tobacco, provided it adheres to the same packaging and labelling rules as other tobacco products.
The Australian Capital Territory also allows the sale of shisha tobacco, as long as it meets specific packaging and labelling requirements. However, it is prohibited to smoke shisha in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes.
It is important to note that the regulations for shisha tobacco sales and packaging differ across Australia's states and territories. While it is legal to sell shisha tobacco in some states, it must comply with the relevant packaging and labelling requirements. These regulations are in place to ensure that shisha tobacco products are sold and packaged in a manner that is consistent with other tobacco products, taking into account the health risks associated with their use.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while shisha tobacco sales are allowed in Australia with proper packaging and labelling, there are strict regulations on importing tobacco products into the country. Limits and duty-free concessions apply to the amount of tobacco that can be brought into Australia, and taxes must be paid to avoid illegal tobacco trade.
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Shisha smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes
Shisha smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces in Australia, including restaurants and cafes. This includes hookah lounges and restaurants in some states.
Shisha, also known as hookah, is subject to national tobacco laws and specific state and territory regulations in Australia. While the sale of shisha tobacco is permitted in some states, it must comply with packaging and labelling requirements.
In Australia, it is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. The police can confiscate cigarettes or other tobacco products from minors in some states. Additionally, tobacco products are illegal when taxes have not been paid, and there are limits to the amount of tobacco that can be brought into the country.
The Australian government has implemented measures to reduce the illicit tobacco trade, including establishing the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner within the Australian Border Force. Those found in possession of illicit tobacco face heavy fines and up to 10 years in prison.
It is important to note that the regulations regarding shisha vary across Australia's states and territories, and it is always advisable to check the specific laws in each region.
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Frequently asked questions
Hookah, also known as shisha, is not illegal in Australia. However, it is subject to national tobacco laws and specific state and territory regulations.
The sale of hookah tobacco is permitted in certain states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. However, it must comply with packaging and labeling requirements, and it is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18.
Yes, in most Australian states and territories, smoking hookah is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges. It is also illegal to smoke in a car when a minor is present.
There are restrictions on the amount of tobacco you can bring into Australia. It is recommended to refer to duty-free concessions on the Australian Border Force website for specific limits. Any tobacco products brought into the country are subject to high tobacco taxes.











































