Five CBD convenience stores have been closed over allegations of illicit tobacco and e-cigarette sales

The closures come after the state government’s crackdown on stores engaging in illegal trade practices, with some shops being shuttered for 28 days.

Five CBD convenience stores have been hit with short term closure orders after allegedly selling illegal tobacco and vape products.

Rundle East Convenience, Rundle City Convenience and The Ultimate Convenience, all located on Rundle St, as well as Grenfell City Convenience on Grenfell St have been served with closure notices and are prohibited from trading for 28 days by Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels.

Two convenience stores on Rundle Street have been slapped with store closure notices that would last up to 28 days. Picture: Jessica Renaglia

XL Convenience on Grenfell St was given a three-day closure, which Consumer and Business Services Commissioner Brett Humphrey said was due to the store having newly opened and not been previously on the CBS radar.

The convenience stores have been closed with Section 69CBA of the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Act 1997, with large signs pasted on the store front doors along the busy street, and are the first subjected to the longer short-term closure orders after reforms to South Australia’s illicit tobacco laws took effect on June 5.

Mr Humphrey said the new measures implemented by the government sent a “clear message” to illegal vendors.

“A 28-day closure on a store should serve as a real strong warning to stores that if you do want to deal in illicit tobacco and bakes in South Australia, you should expect a visit from the CBS Illicit Tobacco Task Force,” Mr Humphrey said.

CBS Commissioner Brett Humphrey. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Ms Michaels said the stores posed “significant risks” to community safety and would not be tolerated by the government.

“Anyone selling illicit tobacco and vapes in South Australia is on notice that you will be caught and closed down,” she said.

“That extends to landlords who knowingly allow their premise to be used to sell tobacco and vapes illegally.”

Customers were unaware that the store was closed this week. Picture: Jessica Renaglia

The closures come after the state government imposed stricter crackdowns for illicit tobacco and vape trade, which soared amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Closure orders from a minister can last up to 72 hours, or can last up to 6 months.

A maximum penalty for violating orders can go up to $1.1 million for a body corporate and an individual up to $700,000.

According to the Statutes Amendment Bill 2025, a short-term closure is imposed if the minister suspects “tobacco products or e-cigarette products are being, or are

likely to be, unlawfully sold or supplied at the premises as part of a business being carried on at the premises.”

Under the reforms, the minister will also contact landlords of the stores to inform them of the closures.

Ms Michaels said it was also an offence to knowingly allow a premises to be used to sell illicit tobacco and vapes, with penalties ranging from $20,000 for an individual and $50,000 for a corporate body.

Illegal cigarettes seized in raids across five convenience stores on Grenfell St and Rundle St, stores which have been handed 28-day closures under SA's new tobacco laws. Picture: Supplied

Landlords are also able to terminate leases for shops subject to long term closures.

East End Coordination Group Vice President Julie Moralee said the closures were an “absolute win” for Adelaide’s East End.

“The East End Coordination Group are thrilled that the government have acted so swiftly in keeping our neighborhoods safe and supporting our businesses to thrive,” Ms Moralee said.

The short term closure is expected to lift next month. Picture: Jessica Renaglia

In May, dozens of illicit tobacco stores were also closed and $23m in tobacco, vapes, and six tonnes of leaf were seized by authorities.

More than 500 raids, in partnership with SA Police and other agencies, were conducted and 17.2m cigarettes were seized, which is the equivalent of 9.5 cigarettes for every South Australian resident.

More than 105,000 vapes were also seized along with two 2.3m cigarette tubes, 834 nicotine pouches and six tonnes of loose tobacco.

The government’s new closure powers came into effect in December last year, and have conducted more than 400 raids since last year.

The Rundle East Convenience and Rundle City Convenience are set to reopen next month if the closure lifts.

Originally published as Five CBD convenience stores have been closed over allegations of illicit tobacco and e-cigarette sales