Victorian government to introduce tobacco licensing scheme amid black market turf wars and arson incidents.

The Victorian government in Australia faces pressure to implement a tobacco licensing scheme amid escalating turf wars over the black market for tobacco and vape products, linked to organized crime and more than 100 arsons. Currently, Victoria is the only state without such a scheme. The government plans to introduce legislation by late 2024, granting police additional powers and imposing fines of up to $1 million for first-time offenders. Critics question the effectiveness of the proposed measures.

October 29, 2024
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