TOUGHER penalties are on the way for those engaging in illicit tobacco trading with a new bill passed by the State Government.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We’re implementing the toughest laws anywhere in the country to smoke out the illegal tobacco trade and keep Victorians safe,” Ms Allan said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Tobacco can now only be sold by licensed retailers, with the outcome of licence applications based around the registrant’s background and known associates.<\/p>\n
This is aimed at protecting legitimate businesses from criminal involvement and ensuring those with criminal affiliations cannot enter the tobacco trade.<\/p>\n
“This strict licensing scheme will establish a dedicated tobacco regulator to help ensure all businesses are operating within the law,” Ms Horne said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the bill is also granting new search powers for Victoria Police, allowing officers to conduct raids at a faster, easier rate.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Victoria Police has been tireless in its work to disrupt and dismantle organised crime,” Mr Carbines said.<\/p>\n
“These new search powers will give police new ways to crack down on crime lords and keep the community safe.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The new licensing scheme is expected to come into effect from mid-2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n