Victorian tobacco retailers may soon be required to obtain a licensing fee.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told ABC Radio that her government was working on legislation that would require all retailers to have a license in order to sell tobacco. The scheme was recommended by the Better Regulation Commissioner Anna Cronin after her report on tobacco retailers in 2022.

The announcement comes after a recent series of fire bombings occurring at tobacco stores throughout the state, related to illegal tobacco trade. Allan said the scheme will support police in cracking down on violence and illegal trade.

“The licensing scheme will help reinforce that work of Victoria Police, but that’s not the only reason obviously why we’re doing it,” she said.

Allan said there was also plenty of opportunity to improve health outcomes of the state through the scheme.

Victoria is currently the only state that does not require tobacco retailers to obtain a license.

Photo: Tobacco shop by Amehare is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.