A new Victorian tobacco business licensing scheme is coming. Tobacco retailers and wholesalers will need a licence to sell tobacco products in Victoria.
The scheme covers cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products designed for human consumption. E-cigarettes and vapes are not covered by the scheme as they are regulated by the Commonwealth government.
Next steps and timelines
- March-April 2025: Public consultation on the licensing scheme including licence categories, conditions and fees.
- 1 July 2025: Business can apply for and be granted a licence.
- Early 2026: Enforcement of the scheme will begin. At this stage, you must have a licence if you want to sell tobacco.
Further information on the scheme is provided below. More information will be provided over the coming months to help businesses understand their obligations under the scheme.
Licence requirements
People and organisations wanting to sell tobacco in Victoria will need to have a licence. They will need a licence for each premise where they sell tobacco. The regulator will assess all applications, including whether the applicant is a suitable person to have a licence.
Different categories of licences will be available. These may include wholesaler and retailer licences.
Licences will run by financial year. Licensees will need to apply to renew their licence each year. Fees will apply.
Retailers will need to display their licence in their venue. A public register of licensees will be available to the public.
Conditions may be placed on licences, such as:
- record keeping requirements
- data collection and reporting
- supply chain licensing requirements.
If conditions are breached, the regulator may:
- issue a show cause notice (this means asking the licensee to explain the breach)
- vary the licence
- suspend the licence
- cancel the licence.
Fines and penalties
Tough new penalties will be introduced for anyone operating without a licence or caught possessing or selling illicit tobacco. It will be an offence to sell tobacco without a licence, with a penalty of up to:
- $165,975 (840 penalty units) or five years jail for an individual
- $829,878 (4200 penalty units) for a body corporate.
An individual licensee may be fined up to $11,855 (60 penalty units) for breaching licence conditions. Body corporates may be fined up to $58,277 (300 penalty units).
Why is the tobacco business licensing scheme needed?
The tobacco business licensing scheme will:
- help to address the health risks associated with tobacco
- deter unsuitable people from selling tobacco and running tobacco businesses
- support Victoria Police and other enforcement efforts to combat serious and organised crime and disrupt illicit tobacco supply chains.
Legislation to amend the Tobacco Act 1987 (Tobacco Act) and establish the licensing scheme was passed by Parliament in November 2024.
The implementation of the scheme will bring Victoria into line with other Australian jurisdictions and introduces some of the toughest penalties in the country.
The Department of Health will continue its role in formulating tobacco policy, providing health messages to prevent broader tobacco and smoking harms, and the enforcement of smoke-free areas.
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- important announcements
- reminders and key dates
- links to other resources.
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