East Gippsland retailers are being warned: the state’s new tobacco licensing crackdown begins this week, with inspectors set to enforce Victoria’s tough
new rules.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan announced last Thursday that Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) inspectors will start compliance and enforcement operations, ensuring that tobacco retailers meet licensing requirements and taking action against those selling illicit products.
“Inspectors will be out in the community and won’t hesitate to act on operators who think they can ignore the law,” Erdogan said.
“If you are doing the wrong thing and dealing in illegal tobacco, you will get caught and you will face the toughest penalties in Australia.”
Businesses operating without a valid licence could face fines of almost $370,000 or up to 15 years in jail, while companies risk penalties of more than
$1.8 million.
The new licensing scheme, which started on July 1, 2025, has already processed more than 4100 applications, with more than 2000 licences granted. Retailers who lodge their application before February 1 can continue trading while it is assessed.
TLV inspectors will have broad powers, including suspending or cancelling licences, seizing illegal tobacco, and taking court action. They will also share intelligence with Victoria Police and other enforcement agencies to disrupt organised crime and the supply of illicit tobacco across the state.
“This scheme gives Victoria Police and other agencies the intelligence and powers they need to crack down on organised crime,” Erdogan said.
East Gippslanders can check the public list of licensed tobacco retailers and wholesalers, and report any stores selling illegal tobacco via the Tobacco Licensing Victoria website.
The crackdown is part of a broader $46 million program in the 2025/26 Victorian Budget to establish TLV and regulate the legal supply of tobacco products across Victoria, including licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
With the enforcement phase set to begin next week, retailers in East Gippsland are being urged to ensure they are fully licensed or risk facing some of the toughest penalties in the country.
