A dozen convenience stores across Adelaide’s CBD have been forced to close for 28 days following a major crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade, as authorities continue to target businesses selling illicit cigarettes, vapes and other prohibited products.
Consumer and Business Services’ illicit tobacco taskforce carried out a week-long operation known as Operation Shutdown, raiding stores throughout the city and issuing closure orders to 12 convenience stores across Hindley Street, Bank Street, Rundle Street, Grenfell Street, Waymouth Street and Hutt Street.
The stores ordered to close include The Ultimate Convenience on Bank Street, two Smokoz outlets on Hindley and Grenfell streets, New City Convenience, Hindley Mart, Prime Mart, Rundle East Convenience, Rundle City Convenience, Quick Stop, Grenfell Convenience, It’s Convenient on Waymouth Street and Hutt Mart.
The CBD operation formed part of a wider statewide blitz, with additional closure orders also issued to stores in Strathalbyn, Pooraka, Mount Barker, Kilkenny and Christies Beach.
During the latest enforcement campaign, authorities seized more than 8,300 packets of cigarettes, 36.4 kilograms of loose tobacco, 1,710 illicit vapes, 263 boxes of filled cigarette tubes containing around 26,300 cigarettes, 15 kilograms of shisha and 36 nicotine pouches.
The latest figures add to South Australia’s ongoing campaign against the illicit tobacco market, with more than 320 temporary closure orders now issued across the state and an estimated $60 million worth of illegal tobacco and vaping products seized since the taskforce was established.
South Australia currently has some of the toughest penalties in the country for the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products. Businesses found selling large commercial quantities can face fines of up to $6.6 million, in addition to mandatory 28-day closure orders.
Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Michael Brown said, “This should serve as a clear warning to anyone involved in the sale or supply of illicit tobacco in South Australia.
“If you are selling illegal cigarettes, vapes or tobacco products, you can expect authorities at your doorstep and your business to be shut down.”
Consumer and Business Services Commissioner Brett Humphrey added, “Every store we shut down disrupts this illegal trade, and we will keep targeting operators who think they can profit from selling illicit tobacco and vapes in South Australia.”
The state government is encouraging anyone with information about businesses selling illicit tobacco or vaping products to report them through the Consumer and Business Services website.
