Landlords in Queensland who knowingly lease premises to illegal tobacco and vape traders could face fines of up to $161,300 or one year in prison.
Under proposed new laws unveiled by the Queensland Government, non-compliant businesses would see interim closure orders extended from 72 hours to three months, allowing landlords to terminate leases of tenants involved in illegal tobacco or vape trading, and introducing a new offence for landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used for illegal activity.
The bill also enables undercover operations to support investigations and allows for the seizure and destruction of legal tobacco products if sold alongside illicit ones.
Tim Nicholls, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, said the laws are aimed at both illegal traders and landlords who enable them.
“Labor allowed illegal chop shops to pop up across our state but the Crisafulli Government has zero tolerance for traders of illicit tobacco and vapes.
“We’re also targeting landlords who are complicit in, or turn a blind eye on, illegal activity occurring in their premises.
“Any landlords who don’t use this termination right to kick out their dodgy tenants will be considered complicit and will face hefty fines and possible jail time.”
The announcement follows Operation Appaloosa in March 2025, which saw raids on more than 30 locations and the seizure of 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes, and 3.6 tonnes of loose tobacco, worth an estimated $20.8 million.
On 3 April 2025, Queensland introduced what it described as the nation’s toughest on-the-spot fines for selling illicit tobacco and vapes, resulting in over $5 million in fines in the first week.
Nicholls said the proposed changes are necessary because current laws are “too onerous” and limit enforcement.
“Despite all our recent progress, the illegal trade remains deeply entrenched.
“This is because the profits simply outweigh risk of enforcement and the current laws limit enforcement responsiveness by being too onerous or relying on prosecution through the courts.”
Public feedback on the draft legislation is open until 20 June 2025.
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