Landlords could be jailed over illicit tobacco in SA crackdown

Key points

• Landlords whose tenants are repeatedly caught selling illegal tobacco could face jail under proposed South Australian laws. Illicit tobacco dealers could be jailed for up to 17 years, and possession of large commercial quantities could attract fines of up to $21 million.
• Consumer authorities would gain power to impose 130-day closure orders on businesses. Police Minister Michael Brown said the amendments would be tabled in parliament this week.
• Critics questioned whether the penalties could be enforced, while the opposition said it would examine the detail.