Australia’s peak body for convenience stores has welcomed the Victorian Government’s strict new tobacco licensing laws that will see huge fines dished out to any person – or business – caught selling tobacco unlicensed.
Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) CEO Theo Foukkare said the Allan Government’s tobacco licensing scheme, unveiled today, would send a strong message to dodgy operators currently selling illicit tobacco products in Victoria that they must shut up shop – and he called on all Members of Parliament to urgently support the laws.
“These laws must pass immediately to allow authorities to try and get on top of Victoria’s illicit tobacco war that continues to put the lives of innocent people at risk.
We urgently call on all MPs to not only support the laws, but to help get them through parliament before the sitting year ends,” Mr Foukkare said.
He said the proposed strict licensing scheme – which would require retailers to pass a highly scrutinised ‘fit and proper person test’ to sell tobacco – would bring Victoria’s tobacco laws into line with the rest of Australia.
“Up until now, anyone could sell tobacco in Victoria without a licence and not be held accountable for it, which we believe is a big contributing factor to the out-of-control tobacco turf war in Victoria,” he said.
Under the new laws, an individual caught selling tobacco without a license in Victoria could be hit with a $355,000 fine, while businesses caught breaking the law could be fined up to $1.7 million.
“These fines are the biggest in Australia and will send a clear message to the dodgy operators in Victoria that their days are numbered.
“The ‘fit and proper person’ test is essential in guarding who can responsibly sell tobacco products and who can’t.
People can be refused a licence based on their history and known associates, “ he said.
Mr Foukkare also welcomed the introduction of more powers for Victoria Police to make it easier to raid, search and seize illicit tobacco products and illegal vapes from any retailer believed to have links with organised crime.
“Victoria Police have been hard at work with Taskforce Lunar and these new laws will give them the powers and framework to continue to really get on top of this.
“These laws are a game changer, and we need them to kick in now.
“The safety of our community depends on it,” Mr Foukkare said.
Theo Foukkare is available for interview on 0423 003 133
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