Financeabc.net.auVictorian stores caught selling illegal tobacco could be closed from today under new laws
Victorian stores caught selling illegal tobacco can now be shut on the spot for up to 90 days under new laws that took effect today, with closures publicly listed online.
Inspectors have the power to close businesses on the spot for up to 90 days if they are found to be selling illegal tobacco products.
New Victorian laws allow inspectors and police to issue on-the-spot closure notices of up to 90 days to any store found selling illegal tobacco products.
Closed stores will be publicly listed on Tobacco Licensing Victoria's website, and long-term closures can be pursued through the Magistrates' Court, with fines up to $2.5 million and 20 years jail for non-compliance.
Health advocates welcomed the crackdown but called for the laws to be extended to cover illegal vapes and nicotine pouches, which inspectors currently cannot act on.
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