The South Australian government has hit a northern suburbs retail store caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes with its first long-term closure order.
Following an application by South Australian Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and Arts Andrea Michaels, Thingy Gifts in Salisbury North has been ordered to close for six months after a hearing in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court.
The Magistrates Court had been told that – in one raid alone – Consumer and Business Services (CBS) inspectors had seized more than 40,000 cigarettes, 1000 vapes and nearly four kilograms of loose tobacco.
The court was told that the business had continued trading following successive raids, highlighting the need for a long-term closure order.
The order takes effect immediately and CBS will serve the court orders once made available by the court.
Any South Australian business who violates such an order can be hit with a penalty of up to $1.1 million and an individual up to $700,000.
Ms Michaels has also signed off on two short-term closure orders, closing two illicit tobacco stores in Semaphore.
“We will not tolerate the threat posed to our community by the criminals involved in selling illicit tobacco and vapes,” says Ms Michaels.
“We have all seen the danger illicit tobacco shops pose and anyone involved in selling illicit tobacco and vapes is on notice that you will be caught and put out of business.
“This is just the first of many closure orders to come. The government will continue to raid these businesses, shut them down and get these products off our streets.”
The South Australian government says it has been relentless in its fight against the illicit tobacco trade investing $16 million in a new taskforce within CBS from 1 July last year.
It has also introduced penalties of up to $1.5 million for people caught selling illicit tobacco or vapes.
