City convenience stores shut down in crackdown on illegal tobacco trade

Five convenience stores in Adelaide's city centre have been raided and closed in the first use of laws cracking down on the illegal tobacco trade. 

But despite a year-long crackdown, the South Australia government admits a significant number of illegal tobacco traders continue to operate.

The laws allow for the immediate closure of stores suspected of selling illegal tobacco products for a period of 28 days. 

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"The ability to close stores down … for 28 days is a significant step in us tackling this problem," Brett Humphrey from Consumer and Business Affairs said. 

Over the past year, authorities have conducted more than 500 inspections, resulting in numerous arrests and the seizure of contraband valued at $34 million. 

Despite these efforts, the number of illegal traders remains consistent with figures from 12 months ago.

"We know that organised crime is a big part of this. That's why we're working closely with SAPOL," Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said. 

While a magistrate can extend closures to 12 months and breaches can incur fines of up to $1.1 million, the opposition argues that these measures are insufficient to deter illegal activity.

 "These dodgy operators are going to be laughing the ministers back with this slap on the wrist because they know that in 28 days time they'll be setting up shop again" Opposition spokesman Jack Batty said.

The legislation also targets landlords who knowingly permit the illegal trade on their properties, subjecting them to substantial fines.

Sophie Rose, a vintage clothes store owner on Rundle Street, believes the area has the potential to be revitalised. 

"Start changing who they're going to put into these spaces. Because if there's 200 still out there after 12 months, someone's getting paid," Rose said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.