A long-awaited tobacco licensing scheme will be rolled out in Victoria amid an explosion of illegal vapes and cigarettes fuelling a spate of store firebombings.
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The Victorian government plans to introduce legislation in the second half of the year to establish a tobacco retailer and wholesale licensing scheme.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the move was based on advice in a report from the state's Commissioner for Better Regulation.
"We've accepted her central recommendation that we should introduce a licensing scheme," she told ABC Radio Melbourne on Thursday.
Victoria had been the only Australian state without a scheme or formal plans to introduce one, with Queensland's to begin in September.
In November, Health Department Secretary Euan Wallace said Victoria was unable to keep track of how many retailers sold e-cigarettes and described big tobacco as "vendors of death".
Victoria's e-cigarette market has been estimated to be worth between $306 million to $503 million across 461,000 users.
There have been about 40 firebombings in Victoria linked to a conflict over the illegal tobacco trade.
Police say the dispute is believed to include members of Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs that use youths, street gangs and low-level criminals to carry out offending.
Australian Associated Press
