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About Tobacco Licensing Victoria

Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) is responsible for the regulation of the lawful supply of tobacco products in Victoria.

Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV) regulates the lawful supply of tobacco products in Victoria.

We operate under the Tobacco Act 1987 and are part of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

What we do

We are responsible for:

  • licensing businesses that supply tobacco products
  • investigating and enforcing the licensing scheme (from 1 February 2026).

Why the tobacco business licensing scheme is needed

Victoria’s tobacco business licensing scheme:

  • deters unsuitable people from selling tobacco and running tobacco businesses
  • supports Victoria Police and other law enforcement groups to fight serious organised crime and disrupt the supply of illegal tobacco
  • helps to address the health risks associated with tobacco.

The scheme covers cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products designed for human consumption. E-cigarettes and vapes are not covered by the scheme. These products are regulated by the Commonwealth government.

Fact sheet - About the Tobacco Business Licensing Scheme
PDF 464.65 KB
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Timeline of tobacco licensing in Victoria

  • November 2024

    Legislation to amend the Tobacco Act 1987 (Tobacco Act) and create a licensing scheme was passed by Parliament.

  • March-April 2025

    Public consultation on the draft Regulations and Regulatory Impact Statement was undertaken between 21 March and 22 April 2025. Find a summary of the feedback received on the Engage Victoria website.

  • June 2025

    The regulations were made on 3 June 2025 and will take effect on 1 July 2025.

  • July 2025

    Tobacco retailers and wholesalers must apply for a tobacco licence from 1 July 2025.

  • February 2026

    Enforcement and compliance by the regulator will begin on 1 February 2026. Businesses that sell tobacco must have a licence by this date.

Updated

Subscribe to the mailing list

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates about the tobacco business licensing scheme, including:

  • important announcements
  • reminders and key dates
  • links to other resources.