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While similar regulations have been enacted in other Australian regions, Victoria is set to crack down on tobacco retailers with what could become the nation’s strictest laws.
The upcoming legislation aims to dismantle the operations of retail outlets linked to organized crime groups, which have been implicated in over 200 arson attacks and two suspected homicides in the area.
Under these stringent new rules, inspectors will gain the authority to search shops and shut them down for as long as 90 days if they are found distributing illegal tobacco products.
The legislation will also empower landlords to terminate leases of businesses involved in such activities, while courts will have the discretion to enforce extended closures without predefined limits.
Offenders could face harsh penalties, including fines reaching up to $370,000 or imprisonment for as long as 15 years.
“Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime,” Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan said.
“We see the impact it’s having on organised crime networks, undermining legitimate businesses that follow the rules.”
The state government says the new laws will be introduced before the November election.
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