The doors are closing on Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, with Labor's tough new closure powers now law.
Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police now have the powers to shut down illegal tobacco operators.
Inspectors will be out in force from today targeting businesses and taking action against those who break the law.
For those who ignore a closure order, the consequences are even tougher.
The Magistrates' Court can issue longer-term closure orders and landlords will be able to terminate leases because of the orders.
Businesses that ignore closure orders face fines of up to $2.5 million and 20 years' jail.
Illicit tobacco fuels organised crime, undercuts legitimate businesses and puts Victorians at risk.
That's why TLV is continuing to work closely with all law enforcement partners to target illicit tobacco across Victoria.
Labor is backing this crackdown from every angle with tougher powers, more inspectors and serious consequences for those who refuse to play by the rules.
TLV will use the full force of these powers to bring bad actors to justice and disrupt the illicit tobacco trade - continuing its risk-based, intelligence-led approach.
Inspectors have already seized more than $10.6 million in illicit products and issued more than 100 infringement notices.
This year's Budget invests $13.4 million to triple the number of inspectors, putting more boots on the ground to target dodgy operators.
The crackdown is here, the powers are in place and anyone dealing in illicit tobacco is on notice.
For more information, to report suspicious activity or see a list of closed stores, visit vic.gov.au/tobacco-licensing.
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan
"The doors are closing on Victoria's illicit tobacco trade - if you sell or store illegal tobacco, we will shut you down."
"We're putting more inspectors on the ground, giving them stronger powers and backing them to take action."
As stated by Minister for Police Paul Edbrooke
"We're cracking down on illicit tobacco and the organised crime gangs it funds by giving our inspectors and police the powers to hit them where it hurts."
