R1 Tobacconist and Vape Millner Plaza under scrutiny for unlawfully selling cheap, imported smokes

The Northern Territory government has its eye on a Darwin tobacconist selling smokes without a licence. Find out who.

A Millner tobacconist located just metres from a Territory MLA’s electorate office is unlawfully selling imported cigarettes for $20 a pack.

The R1 Tobacconist at Millner Plaza on Trower Road opened for business late last year and has been under the notice of the NT government for some time.

In addition to $20 durries, a pack of 100 cigarettes will only cost punters $60 a box.

The equivalent price from a licensed outlet would cost in excess of $100.

The outlet sold vapes until a recent federal government ban on their commercial sale and also retailed bongs and bong paraphernalia.

R1 Tobacconist Millner, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In recent weeks the store has stopped selling a number of lines but continues to sell imported smokes to a steady stream of customers.

The store opens from 7am to 8pm seven days a week.

Repeated requests by the NT News to speak with the owner have been unsuccessful, with staff employed there – who aren’t accused of any wrongdoing – saying they are unsure of his name, whereabouts or contact details.

The NT News has chosen not to identify the business owner.

The shop itself, which is located in the same complex as a restaurant, gym and Johnston MLA Joel Bowden’s electorate office, has been heavily fortified in recent months.

The doors and windows have been covered with metal cladding, preventing natural light flowing into the building, and bollards are in place in front of the store to prevent ram-raids on the premises.

A range of tobacco products are on sale at R1 Tobacconist.

As well as tobacco products, the store sells novelty items and has an automatic teller machine on location.

No charges have been laid and no action has been taken against the business.

The NT government appears unsure how to deal with the tobacconist, with the Department of Health advising the NT News to contact police, and police referring the matter to Licensing, within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

A Licensing spokeswoman confirmed on Friday R1 Tobacconist and Vape does not hold a current tobacco retail licence in the Northern Territory.

“We are aware of matters raised regarding this shop and we are working with police and unable to make further comment,” the spokeswoman said.

ABN records show R1 Tobacconist and Vape was registered on December 19, 2023.

Originally published as R1 Tobacconist and Vape Millner Plaza under scrutiny for unlawfully selling cheap, imported smokes