A third convenience store in Dee Why has been given a 90-day closure order by NSW Health in just two weeks, as authorities continue to sweep the Northern Beaches for retailers selling illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products.
Ginger Cat Mart, at 19 Oaks Avenue, Dee Why, was issued a closure order on 24 February 2026, with the bright yellow “This Premises Is Closed” notice affixed to its front door. The store is ordered shut until at least 26 May 2026 under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008, following an alleged breach relating to the sale of illicit tobacco or vapes. After publishing our original story, it became apparent that the Dee Why Nepalese Indian and asian Grocery store across the road was also closed the same day.
The closure comes just 12 days after Uncle Jack’s Convenience Store at 701 Pittwater Road, Dee Why, was hit with a similar 90-day order on 12 February 2026. Currently this is the only store listed on the tobacco closure orders register.
The twin shutdowns are part of a broader statewide enforcement push that has seen more than 50 stores forced to close across NSW since new closure order powers came into force in November 2025.
As Manly Observer reported when the laws first took effect on the Northern Beaches, three stores in Seaforth, Collaroy and Newport were among the first to be targeted, with local federal MP Dr Sophie Scamps welcoming the crackdown while calling for even stricter controls.
The three stores hit with previous closure orders on the Northern Beaches were Adel’s Convenience Store on Ethel Street, Balgowlah, Beach Mart on Pittwater Road, Collaroy and Newport Min Market on Barrenjoey Road, Newport. They were hit for the sale of illicit tobacco as well as tobacco products without a retail licence.
“It’s encouraging to see NSW Health moving swiftly and using its new powers to issue 90-day closure orders, first in Collaroy then Newport, and now in Dee Why.”
“When it comes to protecting our kids’ health, closing these shops can’t come fast enough.”
