Tobacco Retailers - The New Victoria Tobacco Licensing Scheme

The Tobacco Act 1987 regulates the sale, display and advertising of tobacco and e-cigarette products.
 
A Victorian Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme has been administered by Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) under the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety. TLV regulates the lawful supply of tobacco products in Victoria under the Tobacco Act 1987.
 
As of 1 July 2025, all tobacco retailers and wholesalers must apply for a license to sell tobacco products in Victoria. Failure to do so may result in infringements. All specialist tobacconists who were registered under the specialist tobacconist certificate scheme (ended 30 June 2025) must also apply for a license with the TLV. 
 
From 1 February 2026, significant penalties of up to more than $1.8 million apply for illicit tobacco offences in Victoria. Businesses must have a licence to sell tobacco for both retail (to the public) or wholesale (to other businesses). Businesses that continue to sell tobacco products in Victoria without a licence will be committing an offence. A public register of tobacco licence holders is now available.
 
Local councils do not have a role in enforcing the tobacco licensing scheme or monitoring compliance.
 
Further information about TLV and applying for a tobacco license can be found on the Tobacco Licensing Victoria website here.
 
Have you observed suspicious tobacco activity? Reports can be made anonymously to the TLV here.

 

 

Council's responsibility

Horsham has a number or registered retailers, outdoor smoking areas and smoke-free dining areas.

Local councils do not have a role in enforcing the tobacco licensing scheme or monitoring compliance. Their role is limited to providing education and monitoring compliance with the general retail (signage, display), and smoke- and e-cigarette-free requirements of the law. 

Council's Environmental Health Officers regularly conduct visits to tobacco retailers to ensure they are aware of and comply with regulations on the sale of tobacco including:

  • the display of health warning signs;
  • the display of the "We don't sell tobacco to u/18s" sign;
  • that tobacco products must be covered and not be visible to the public from inside or outside the retail premises;
  • point of sale display restrictions and prohibited advertising and signage; and
  • the training of retailers and staff on laws regarding tobacco sales and requirements to sight acceptable ID to prevent sales to minors.

 

If you observe noncompliance of the above, you can make a report to Council to investigate. You will be required to provide:

  • Name of premises (if known)
  • Address of premises
  • Description of your concerns, including date and time of occurrence
  • Any other information you are able to provide.

Please lodge a service request, or submit a report to council@hrcc.vic.gov.au.

 

Additional information:

Tobacco Retailers

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