Victoria
Six Melbourne shops closed under new illicit tobacco powers
Inspectors have ordered six businesses in Footscray and Richmond to close for up to 90 days using newly legislated state powers.
Six Melbourne retail outlets have been forced to close their doors after being targeted by state regulators under newly introduced tobacco licensing laws. The businesses, located across the suburbs of Footscray and Richmond, were ordered to shut down for up to 90 days following inspections.
According to a wire report, the closures represent the first major exercise of beefed up enforcement powers granted to tobacco licensing inspectors by the Victorian government. The new regulatory framework aims to crack down on the sale of illicit tobacco products across the state, which has been linked to a series of violent criminal disputes.
Authorities have warned that these six closures are likely to be the first of many as inspectors ramp up enforcement activities. Under the new rules, inspectors have the authority to issue immediate closure orders to businesses suspected of dealing in illegal tobacco, bypassing some of the lengthier legal processes previously required to halt operations.
Details regarding the specific brands or quantity of illicit tobacco seized during the raids have not been publicly disclosed. It also remains unconfirmed whether any individuals associated with the shops will face criminal charges, as investigations into the distribution networks supplying these outlets continue.
The Victorian government has previously signalled its intention to use these legislative measures to disrupt the highly lucrative black market. By targeting the retail point of sale, regulators hope to cut off the revenue streams that fuel broader organised crime syndicates operating in Melbourne.
Observers will be watching to see how many more retail closures are executed under the new licensing powers in the coming weeks.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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