The Victorian government is promising the country’s toughest penalties as it introduces legislation to Parliament to tackle the illegal tobacco trade.

The state government plans to establish a licensing system for tobacco retailers, give police more power and resources to crack down on illegal sellers and establish a new tobacco regulator with dedicated inspectors.

Anyone caught selling tobacco without a license could face a $355,000 fine or 15 years in prison, and businesses could face fines of up to $1.7 million.

Prime Minister Jacinta Allan said the bill would be presented to Parliament on Tuesday and she wanted it to be passed by the end of the year.

“This new strict licensing system provides for more staff on the ground, more resources on the ground, more powers, in particular more powers for Victoria Police to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade,” he said. she declared.

“There will be massive consequences, massive penalties for people who violate this regime and these penalties are the toughest in the country.”

Ms Allan said the new measures would support police who have already executed 200 search warrants, arrested 80 people and seized more than $37 million in illegal tobacco and related items.

Shadow Consumer Affairs Minister Tim McCurdy said the Opposition had not seen the bill and would not see it until it was tabled in Parliament.

Mr McCurdy said he supported the direction of the proposed laws, but wanted Victoria Police to be more involved in policing compliance with the new licensing regime.

“We don’t want this slap on the wrist with wet lettuce anymore – it’s got to be hefty fines,” Mr McCurdy told ABC Radio Melbourne.

Licenses only for “fit and competent persons”

Under the government program, tobacco can only be sold by approved retailers.

People applying for a tobacco license would be subject to a “competent persons” test and applicants could be rejected based on their background and known associates.

The government said it would ban people with criminal affiliations and prevent businesses from being undermined by criminal syndicates.

A new tobacco regulator will administer the system and be responsible for enforcement and compliance with licenses.

The regulator would have the power to search stores and seize illegal items.

Police search powers will also be expanded to allow easier and faster raids on retailers suspected of having links to organized crime.