<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/victoria" rel="" target="" title="Victorian "><span>Victorian</span></a><span> government is planning to introduce new laws to try and extinguish Melbourne's </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/tobacconists" rel="" target="" title="tobacco "><span>tobacco</span></a><span> war, which include powers to forcibly shut down dodgy retailers.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The laws already exist across other parts of Australia, and now Victorian tobacconists will be targeted, with the government vowing to introduce the toughest legislation the country has seen.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The proposed laws will target retailers facilitating organised crime gangs that are responsible for more than 200 firebombings and two alleged murders in the state.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/aussies-pockets-to-suffer-as-treasuer-warns-inflation-to-near-5-per-cent/d9d0398e-1c1a-4787-960f-793b158e9780"><strong><span>Aussies to suffer fresh cash blow with inflation to surge to new highs</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Under the tough new legislation, inspectors will be able to search retailers and force them to close for up to 90 days if caught selling illicit tobacco.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Landlords will also be given the power to terminate leases for stores caught selling the product, and courts will be able to impose longer store closures with no fixed limits.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Individuals caught will face fines of up to $370,000 or 15 years' jail.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/tobacco-laws-victoria-plan/092ad693-3da8-4464-ad35-ac3dae2cb8e0" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/usa-israel-war-in-iran-brendan-carr-fcc-media-coverage-donald-trump/39276974-7950-40be-b02f-136792adb0e9" rel="" target="" title="Trump official threatens broadcasters over coverage of Middle East war"><strong><span>Trump official threatens broadcasters over coverage of Middle East war</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime," Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We see the impact it's having on organised crime networks, undermining legitimate businesses that follow the rules."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The state government says the new laws will be introduced before the November election.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><em><span>NEVER MISS A STORY:</span></em></strong><span> </span><strong><em><span>Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.</span></em></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><ul><li><strong><em><span>Download the 9NEWS App here via</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Apple</span></em></strong></a><span> </span><strong><em><span>and</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&amp;hl=en_AU&amp;pli=1" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Google Play</span></em></strong></a></li><li><strong><em><span>Make 9News your preferred source on Google by</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://9.nine.com.au/8x987w" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>ticking this box here</span></em></strong></a></li><li><strong><em><span>Sign up to</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://login.nine.com.au/edm?client_id=nineatnine" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>our breaking newsletter here</span></em></strong></a></li></ul></div></div>