A new law in the Australian state of South Australia has cracked down on the illegal tobacco and vape trade. Giving police greater powers and imposing fines of up to $4.15 million. New provisions have also been introduced to penalize those responsible for premises. That supports illegal activity and allows owners to terminate leases if tenants break the law.
Key points:
1. New laws give the South Australian Police greater enforcement powers to crack down on illegal tobacco and vape trade.
2. The law provides for a maximum fine of 6.6 million Australian dollars (US $4.15 million), the highest in the country.
3. The new rules allow landlords to terminate retail leases after a tenant has received a long-term closure order, further cracking down on illegal trade.
Australia’s South Australia proposes legislation to severely penalize illegal vape trade
According to Miragenews reported on March 24, a new law was introduced to the parliament of South Australia, Australia, aiming to crack down on the illegal tobacco and vape trade. The law gives police greater powers to curb criminal-related activities and sets stiffer penalties for commercial sales.
The new laws were developed by the South Australian Labor Government in consultation with the South Australian Police Service to reduce criminal activity and the risk it poses to the community. The legislative process is also supported by the South Australian Preventive Health Agency. The Consumer and Commercial Services Bureau (CBS) and the South Australian Police Service (SAPOL).
The main elements of the law include:
- Extending police enforcement powers;
- Increased fines for the commercial supply and possession of illegal tobacco and vapes to a maximum of $6.6 million ($4.15 million);
- Create a new type of offense for individuals who allow premises to be used for illegal activities;
- Enhance information-sharing capabilities to support enforcement actions and communication with owners, building managers and the public.
The maximum fine will be up to $4.15 million
South Australia will impose some of the nation’s toughest fines on those who supply or possess illegal products in “commercial” and “large commercial” quantities. First-time offenders for “large-scale commercial” numbers face a maximum fine of $2.1 million ($1.3 million). While repeat offenders face a fine of $4.2 million ($2.6 million). Corporate entities will face an initial penalty of up to 4.5 million Australian dollars ($2.8 million) and subsequent penalties of 6.6 million Australian dollars ($4.15 million).
Currently, the maximum penalty under the bill is: Up to $1.5 million ($950,000) for businesses and $700,000 ($440,000) for individuals.
The new rules allow landlords to terminate retail leases after a tenant receives a long-term closure order. In addition, a law will be introduced to punish owners or those responsible for supporting illegal activities on their premises.
Stephen Mullighan, South Australia’s finance minister, said
- “The State government is giving South Australian Police the tools they need to crack down on the illegal tobacco and vape trade, giving them greater search powers and introducing the toughest penalties in the country. This trade represents an unacceptable risk to society, particularly young people, which is why we are sending a message to criminals that South Australia will not tolerate this type of behavior.”
