Tobacconists evade inspectors implementing new immediate closure orders at government press conference
The Consumer and Business Affairs Minister experienced an unfortunate blunder after inspectors were met with locked doors of an illicit tobacconist.
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A government press conference that intended to show inspectors in action shutting down an illegal tobacco store in Hindmarsh went embarrassingly wrong when staff locked the doors before officials arrived.
The blunder unfolded in front of Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels who planned to provide an update in their war against the illicit tobacco and vape trade – as CBS inspectors shut down an unlicensed Hindmarsh business.
However, the plan went pear-shaped when Tobacconists Accessories & Gifts on Port Rd locked the doors just before 11am.
The Advertiser then observed two inspectors walk from their van towards the Hindmarsh tobacco store only to find the front door and side gate locked.
After failing to gain entry, the inspectors taped an ‘Interim Closure Order’ on the front door and window of the shop and slipped some paperwork under the locked door.
Despite the inspectors arriving too late to serve the paperwork in person, putting the notice on the door was sufficient to close the store down for the first 72 hours. Ms Michaels hailed the success of the operation.
“I think they should take the warning now and shut this shop down,” she said.
Ms Michaels said she had witnessed multiple people try to gain entry into the tobacco store during the media opportunity and was “surprised” by the high volume of potential customers.
“Yes, I’ve seen customers in the last few minutes coming past,” she said.
“I am surprised how busy it is but it’s obviously in a pretty prominent location and obviously a busy store.
“So I’m very pleased that this is one of the first ones that we’re closing down.”
Hindmarsh’s Tobacconists Accessories & Gifts shop was selected for the Interim Closure Order as it historically proved to be troublesome.
The store has been raided by the CBS and SA Police several times before and had nearly 10,000 illicit cigarettes, 2000 cigarette tubes and half a kilo of tobacco seized.
However, the new closure order exercises Ms Michaels’ new powers which allows her to immediately shut down any businesses she suspects of selling or supplying illicit tobacco and vapes.
The order applies for 72 hours, during which Ms Michaels can apply to Adelaide Magistrates Courts for a closure of up to six months.
Any business that violates the order faces a penalty of up to $1.1m and an individual can be fined up to $700,000.
Since the law surrounding the order came into effect on Friday, Ms Michaels has ordered the immediate closure of four other illicit tobacco stores, all known for committing repeat offences.
Ms Michaels said the state government is taking the threat posed by the illicit tobacco industry extremely seriously, which is why they are acting fast and cutting through the red tape.
“We are not going to allow these illegal shops to operate in our community,” she said.
“We have all seen the danger they bring, including to innocent neighbouring businesses and we will not tolerate it in South Australia.
“We know that it is increasingly organised crimes behind these illegal tobacco shops and we are going to continue to raid these businesses, get these products off the streets and shut these stores down.”
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