Key Points:
1.In South Australia, the harshest fines are being implemented to crack down on illegal tobacco and e-cigarette sales.
2.The new law grants the police greater enforcement powers, adds new categories of crimes, and increases penalties.
3.First-time offenders face fines of up to 2.1 million Australian dollars (approximately 1.37 million US dollars), with repeat offenders facing fines of up to 4.2 million Australian dollars (approximately 2.74 million US dollars).
4.For corporate entities, the maximum fine for a first offense is 4.5 million Australian dollars (approximately 2.93 million US dollars), which can increase to 6.6 million Australian dollars (approximately 4.3 million US dollars) for repeat offenses.
According to miragenews, the strictest penalties for the sale of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes in retail and commercial premises in Australia's South Australia state (hereinafter referred to as "South Australia") have now come into effect. The new laws by the South Australia state government grant police greater enforcement powers, establish new offenses, impose harsher penalties for supply and possession of drugs, and prescribe longer closure orders.
According to the new law, South Australia is now enforcing the strictest penalties in the country for the supply or possession of prohibited products in "commercial" and "large-scale commercial" quantities.
Individuals who possess a "large-scale commercial" quantity for the first time could face fines of up to $2.1 million AUD (approximately $1.37 million), with repeated offenders facing fines of up to $4.2 million AUD (approximately $2.74 million). For corporate entities, initial fines can reach $4.5 million AUD (approximately $2.93 million) and repeat offenses could result in fines of up to $6.6 million AUD (approximately $4.30 million).
The specific number of violations includes:
·Business quantity: 5000 cigarettes or 5 kilograms of any tobacco products, 100 e-cigarettes or 200 other specified products (such as nicotine pouches);
·Large-scale business quantity: 25000 cigarettes or 25 kilograms of any tobacco products, 500 e-cigarettes or other specified products.
After the new legal reforms, the police will be able to conduct general drug testing and random weapon and explosive searches at locations suspected of being involved in illegal activities related to illicit tobacco, e-cigarettes, or other prohibited products. The reforms also include the creation of new offenses to punish those who knowingly allow premises to be used for illegal activities, as well as strengthening communication with property owners, building managers, and the public to support information sharing for enforcement actions.
In addition, Minister Andrea Michaels' power to issue closure orders for venues has been increased, with the introduction of new 28-day short-term closure orders. The maximum duration of long-term closure orders issued through circuit courts has also been extended from six months to 12 months.
The South Australian government has announced that it will crack down on illegal tobacco trade by giving police greater powers and increasing penalties to curb illicit activities. These new penalty measures will send a clear message to criminals that their actions will not be tolerated.
Minister of Health Chris Picton stated:
"Smoking is the biggest preventable killer, causing significant harm to our society. Both smoking and e-cigarettes have no safe level, only air should enter our lungs."
South Australia's public health measures for tobacco and e-cigarettes were recently rated the best in the country, surpassing other states and territories. These new laws further solidify South Australia's leading position in public health protection.
Michaels responded:
"Illegal tobacco shops are not welcome in South Australia, with the government now implementing the harshest penalties for anyone caught in possession of commercial quantities of illegal tobacco or e-cigarettes. Venues allowing illegal tobacco sales will also face severe consequences. The illicit tobacco trade is mainly driven by organized crime, and the Marshall government is taking strong action to dismantle its business model."
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