Smoke shops shut down a stone's throw from health HQ

Brazen illegal tobacconists have been operating in plain sight of health headquarters as a minister ramps up a crackdown on the illicit trade.

Two shops in Sydney's north have become the first to be shut down for selling illicit vape and tobacco products under new NSW health powers.

The rules, which come as consumers abandon pricey legal smokes in droves, mean establishments caught operating without a tobacco licence or selling illicit tobacco or vaping products can be shut down immediately for 90 days.

If a breach is found, these stores can be forced to close for up to 12 months.

The two shops are operated by different owners and were within 200m of the NSW Ministry of Health headquarters in St Leonards.

While issuing closure orders during Tuesday's raid, NSW Health inspectors seized