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New bill to crack down on illegal tobacco

December 29, 2024 BY
Crack down on illegal tobacco

Smoking out crime: The State Government is introducing new, stricter laws around illegal tobacco trading in line with other Australian states. Photo: FILE

TOUGHER penalties are on the way for those engaging in illicit tobacco trading with a new bill passed by the State Government.

Called the Tobacco Amendment (Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme) Bill 2024, the new laws are aimed at creating a stricter licensing scheme for retailers, enabling authorities to crack down on illegal tobacco profiteering.

Premier Jacinta Allan introduced the new regulations with Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne and Minister for Police Anthony Carbines earlier this month.

“We’re implementing the toughest laws anywhere in the country to smoke out the illegal tobacco trade and keep Victorians safe,” Ms Allan said.

Recommended by Better Regulation Victoria in 2022, the bill builds on the efforts of Victoria Police’s Taskforce Lunar, which has resulted in more than 80 arrests and the seizure of $37 million in vapes, money and illegal tobacco products.

Tobacco can now only be sold by licensed retailers, with the outcome of licence applications based around the registrant’s background and known associates.

This is aimed at protecting legitimate businesses from criminal involvement and ensuring those with criminal affiliations cannot enter the tobacco trade.

“This strict licensing scheme will establish a dedicated tobacco regulator to help ensure all businesses are operating within the law,” Ms Horne said.

Meanwhile, the bill is also granting new search powers for Victoria Police, allowing officers to conduct raids at a faster, easier rate.

A new tobacco regulator is also being established, through which inspectors will assist police and will oversee the enforcement and compliance of licences including searching stores and seizing illegal items.

“Victoria Police has been tireless in its work to disrupt and dismantle organised crime,” Mr Carbines said.

“These new search powers will give police new ways to crack down on crime lords and keep the community safe.”

Under the new regulation, anyone caught selling illicit tobacco can face up to $355,000 in fines or 15 years in jail. Businesses will be fined up to $1.7 million.

The new licensing scheme is expected to come into effect from mid-2025.