Welcoming a new Tobacco Licensing Scheme, bringing Victoria in line with the rest of Australia
Posted 27 Nov, 2024
Quit and Cancer Council Victoria today join in marking the passage of milestone legislation to introduce a licensing scheme for tobacco at the retail and wholesale levels in Victoria.
The announcement comes after decades of public advocacy by Quit and other public health groups on the issue, calling for the need to better regulate tobacco distribution and sale in this state.
Quit Director, Rachael Andersen, said the Victorian Government’s move to introduce the scheme, amidst the backdrop of continuing arson attacks on Victorian tobacconists, is necessary and welcome.
“You need a licence to sell alcohol, to drive a car and even to catch a fish! And now, for the first time in Victoria, you will be compelled by law to have a licence to sell harmful and addictive tobacco.
“A Victorian tobacco licensing scheme brings us into line with every other Australian jurisdiction. It will help authorities know who is selling which products, and where. Over time, it is our hope that fewer licences will be granted, making tobacco less available across Victoria. When you consider that most people who smoke have a desire to quit, then we have an obligation to create an environment that supports them,” Ms Andersen added.
The Victorian tobacco licensing scheme will ensure:
tobacco can only be sold by licensed retailers
licences are only available to “fit and proper persons” who pass a strict test
retailers can be refused a licence based on history and known associates (including those with criminal affiliations, for example)
search powers will be strengthened to make it easier and quicker to raid, search and seize illicit products from a retailer suspected of having links to organised crime
any person found selling illicit tobacco will face fines of more than $355,000 or up to 15 years in jail
businesses will face fines of more than $1.7 million for selling illicit tobacco
Cancer Council Victoria CEO, Todd Harper AM, said the scheme is an essential component of efforts to reduce the social cost and human suffering caused by tobacco smoking.
“We must not forget that tobacco is a product which still kills two in three lifetime users, tragically cutting short the lives of more than 4,400 Victorians every year – or 85 each week. Those who seek to sell tobacco have a responsibility to comply with legislation preventing the marketing and sale of tobacco that might otherwise encourage uptake of smoking or discourage Victorians who smoke in their attempts to quit.
“This licensing scheme will allow effective monitoring to make sure retailers are compliant with the law prohibiting sales to children, preventing display and other promotion of tobacco products and stopping sale of products not carrying required health warnings and on which required duties and taxes have not been paid. Critical to the success of this new licensing scheme will be the swift and effective enforcement action in the event of any retailers doing the wrong thing” Mr Harper concluded.
Quit and Cancer Council Victoria understand dedicated inspectors operating under the new Tobacco Regulator will be responsible for enforcement and compliance. These inspectors will have the power to search premises, suspend licences and seize illegal products. And importantly, inspectors will support Victoria Police by providing additional intelligence.
For support to stop smoking or vaping, connect with Quitline. message us on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger @QuitVic, live chat through quit.org.au or request a call back at a time that suits you. From Mon – Fri 8am to 8pm qualified Quitline counsellors are ready to support you on your quitting journey.
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Media Contact
Prue Gildea Media Manager M: 0400 394 274 E: prue.gildea@cancervic.org.au