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Tag: closures

  • South Australia Closes 100 Stores for Selling Illicit Tobacco, Vapes

    South Australia Closes 100 Stores for Selling Illicit Tobacco, Vapes

    Since June 5, South Australia has issued 100 28-day closure orders to stores selling illicit tobacco and vapes, seizing products valued at approximately A$50 million ($32.5 million), including 41 million cigarettes, 140,000 vapes, and 13,585 kg of loose tobacco. The closures are part of a state-led crackdown, supported by a A$16 million ($10.4 million) illicit tobacco taskforce targeting both metropolitan and regional outlets. Two long-term closures have already been issued, with five more pending in the Magistrates Court.

    The Malinauskas Government emphasized that the crackdown disrupts organized crime networks and enforces penalties of up to A$6.6 million ($4.3 million) for large-scale illicit sales, while landlords knowingly allowing such sales can face fines up to A$50,000 ($32,500).

  • South Australia Punishes 95 Stores for Vape Violations

    South Australia Punishes 95 Stores for Vape Violations

    The Malinauskas Labor Government issued 95 closure orders to stores caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes in South Australia since June, as part of its recent crackdown. Health Minister Chris Picton said 43 stores face three-day closures, 50 stores face 28-day shutdowns, and two are facing long-term shutdowns. He said the government is considering 12-month closure orders for repeat offenders through the Magistrates Court.

    Since June, more than A$40 million ($26.4 million) worth of illicit products have been seized under the new regulations. South Australia has imposed the nation’s harshest penalties, with fines of up to A$6.6 million ($4.4 million) for large-scale offenders. The Australian Council on Smoking and Health recently awarded the state an A+ score for its enforcement efforts.