South Australia unveils tough new laws on illicit tobacco

Key points

• South Australia has introduced proposed laws to Parliament that would impose the strictest penalties in the country on illicit tobacco dealers. Dealers could face up to 17 years in prison, while fines for supplying or possessing large commercial quantities would rise to as much as $21 million.
• The Illicit Tobacco Taskforce would gain power to impose 130-day medium-term closures, the longest in the Commonwealth. Landlords would be able to terminate leases during any closure order and face jail for repeat offences.
• Authorities could also seize all tobacco and e-cigarette products found on premises during inspections.