{
  "id": 14122334,
  "title": "Landlords could be jailed over illicit tobacco in SA crackdown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/landlords-could-be-jailed-over-illicit-tobacco-in-sa-crackdown",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T04:44:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-13/landlords-could-be-jailed-over-illicit-tobacco-in-sa-crackdown/107260036"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In South Australia, proposed amendments to cigarette and retail laws aim to crack down on illicit tobacco trade by imposing increased penalties for landlords and dealers. Under the new rules, landlords who repeatedly allow tenants to sell illegal tobacco from their premises could face up to a year in jail. Anyone caught in possession of large commercial quantities of illegal tobacco could be jailed for up to 17 years, while fines for dealers could reach $21 million. Consumer authorities will also be empowered to impose 130-day closure orders on businesses deemed in violation. The proposed measures come after a gap in the law left landlords without sufficient powers and obligations to address illegal tobacco stores. The government claims the stricter regulations would position South Australia as a leader in combating illicit tobacco. Former federal police officer and Tobacco Strike Team founder Rohan Pike acknowledged previous measures had failed to curb the trade, suggesting the new legislation's intent to \"upscale both the legislation and the enforcement levels.\" However, concerns remain about the government's ability to enforce these proposals effectively, and the potential impact of reduced excise on legal tobacco on smoking rates.",
  "summary": "Landlords would be held more accountable for the sale of illicit tobacco from their tenants' businesses, under a proposed crackdown in SA that would also significantly boost fines and jail time.",
  "key_points": [
    "Proposed amendments to SA cigarette laws target illicit tobacco trade.",
    "Landlords allowing illegal tobacco sales face up to a year jail time.",
    "Dealers could serve up to 17 years in prison and face $21 million fines."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}