The Victorian government plans to introduce a tobacco licensing bill into parliament to crack down on the illegal trade in cigarettes and vapes. Violators face fines of up to $1.7 million or jail time.
According to The Canberra Times on November 12 (Jacinta Allan). The premier of the Australian state of Victoria announced that her Labor government plans to introduce a bill to parliament aimed at establishing a cigarette licensing system.
The governor said at a news conference,
- “These will be tougher laws across the country to combat the illegal cigarette trade and support this state’s policies for the safety of Victorians.”
Under the plan, individuals found selling illegal cigarettes and vapes will face fines of more than $355,000 or up to 15 years in prison, while businesses will face fines of more than $1.7 million.
More than 100 cases of arson have reportedly been linked to Middle Eastern organized crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs controlling the lucrative black market for cigarettes and vapes. In the past 12 months, Victoria Police’s Illicit Tobacco Taskforce has conducted at least 200 raids, arrested 80 people, and made more than $37 million in illegal cigarettes, vapes, and cash seizures.
By law, only licensed retailers can sell cigarette goods. Currently, there are no details on the cost of implementing the program or licensing fees.
Inspectors from the new tobacco regulator will replace the police and issue fines similar to those in the drink licensing system. Police will have greater powers to make it easier and faster to raid, search, and take away illegal goods from retailers linked to organized crime, with more licensing conditions.
Suppliers must also be tested by the appropriate personnel if based on their history and relevant personnel and can refuse to issue a license.
Police Minister Anthony Carbine said,
- “Our goal is to make sure we drive organized crime out of this state.”
State Police Commissioner Shane Patton said police will be able to provide information when the regulator makes a ruling. While severe penalties can deter black market operators, they cannot end venue disputes overnight.
In September, Queensland introduced a tobacco licensing system, and Victoria became the last state or territory in Australia without a tobacco licensing system.
