SA Health investigating as two ‘unlicensed’ tobacco retailers open near Adelaide schools

SA Health says it’s urgently investigating two unlicensed tobacco shops that have opened their doors just metres from well-known Adelaide schools.

Authorities are investigating at least two alleged unlicensed tobacco stores that have opened fewer than 100m from Adelaide schools, with the government signalling further crackdowns on illegal tobacconists.

Last month, residents of Banksia Park complained to Tea Tree Gully Council and the local MP about a tobacco retailer that opened next to Banksia Park Primary School in September.

During inquiries, The Advertiser was also made aware of another tobacconist fewer than 100m from St Peter’s Girls’ School at Stonyfell, which opened last month.

An unlicensed tobacconist has opened next door to Banksia Park Primary School which has raised concerns among residents. Picture: Russell Millard

Another unlicensed tobacconist that opened near St Peter’s Girls’ School. Picture: Russell Millard

On October 24, a group of Tea Tree Gully residents voiced their concerns at council meeting that the Banksia Park venue could be unlicensed, with council health inspectors visiting the premises later that week.

When contacted by The Advertiser, Health Minister Chris Picton confirmed both businesses were unlicensed and that “SA Health public health officials are now investigating”.

Flyers received by Banksia Park residents in the mail. Picture: Supplied

“While it is not appropriate for me to comment further on an ongoing investigation, illegal tobacco and vape businesses have no place in South Australia,” he said.

“I have asked the SA Health public health team to develop plans to improve the compliance for illegal tobacco and vaping, including working with police and border force.”

Last month, Banksia Park residents found flyers in their mailboxes advertising 100 cigarettes for as little as $50, whereas a 20-pack of smokes currently sells for $40 on average.

The maximum penalty for maildropping tobacco advertisements in SA is $10,000.

Local Rose Hardigan, 58, has two grandchildren who attend the school and said she was “shocked” by what she found walking into the store.

“There were half a dozen packets of cigarettes on bench, ashtrays, lighters, bongs, rollie papers, vape juices, you name it,” she said.

She said it was “unbelievable” the store was operating next to a primary school.

“Yes, (children) will get illegal vapes off the internet, they’re smack bang right next to them.

“I think it’s wrong given the locality and the nature of the shops because it’s a very small neighbourhood. Some people have put up the argument that if you go to Woolies up in Modbury Heights, they sell cigarettes, but this is a row of five shops, a place where you can grab a bunch of hot chips, and a cold drink, it’s not the same thing.”

Local MP for Newland Olivia Savvas said “a number of residents have raised concerns with me about promotional material from a tobacco shop that has opened”.

“I share these concerns and have raised them directly with the Health Minister to see what action can be taken to protect our community.”

Member for Bragg Jack Batty also said residents in his electorate have complained about the new shop near St Peter’s Girls’ and “the potential influence it could have on children”, writing to the Health Minister on November 9.

Mr Picton, who as Health Minister is responsible for doling out tobacco licences, said the law currently “doesn’t regulate the locations that licences can operate” and further measures will be considered under SA’s tobacco control strategy.

He said SA Health had recently seized “seized thousands of illegal vapes during a targeted two-month blitz” and forthcoming changes would ban vaping and smoking within 10 metres of schools and childcare centres.

An SA Health spokeswoman said it has “seen a significant increase in retailers selling illegal products” and that “complaints about the sale of tobacco and vaping products to minors has increased consistent with the rest of Australia”.

“SA Health has received numerous complaints about both of these unlicensed stores and our investigations are continuing in conjunction with other authorities,” the spokeswoman said.

When The Advertiser visited the stores on Thursday requesting comment, on both occasions staff members said they would pass on contact details to the store owners.

Since then, no further communications have been made.

There is no suggestion the stores are serving underage customers.

In May, on-the-spot fines for selling smoking products to underage customers shot up from $1200 to $2400, while the maximum fine for businesses supplying products to underage consumers increased from $20k to $40k.