Frankston City Council is calling for urgent reforms to Victoria’s planning laws to restrict where tobacco and vape stores can operate—especially near schools, playgrounds and youth spaces.
The push follows the 1 July launch of Victoria’s new Tobacco Business Licensing Scheme, which introduced mandatory state licensing for tobacco retailers. But while the licensing framework strengthens oversight, Frankston Council says it doesn’t go far enough to address community health and safety risks—particularly for young people.
Council Calls for Statewide Planning Reform
Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy says the current system fails to regulate how and where tobacco and vape retailers are located.
“We don’t need tobacco or vape stores near places where our children learn and play,” she said.
“We’re calling for common-sense reforms that protect young people and improve community safety.”
At present, Victorian Planning Schemes classify tobacconists the same as general convenience stores, meaning they can set up near schools and community spaces without additional oversight. Frankston Council is working with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to change this.
Council wants tobacco and vape stores treated as a defined land use requiring planning approval, much like adult-only shops. This would allow councils to control where such businesses operate and prevent clustering in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
“There are land use definitions for beauty salons and bottle shops—but not for tobacconists. Given the health and safety risks they pose, that’s unacceptable,” Cr Conroy said.
Retailer Compliance Under the Microscope
The push for reform is supported by local compliance data.
In April 2025, Council’s Environmental Health Officers conducted 38 tobacco test purchases—with three retailers caught illegally selling tobacco to a 15-year-old. A second round of 32 tests in June found two more non-compliant businesses.
While the 93% compliance rate shows most retailers are following the rules, Council says ongoing funding and enforcement are critical to keep minors safe.
Education and Enforcement at Risk
Frankston Council currently receives funding via MAV to deliver tobacco compliance, education and inspections—but that funding is only guaranteed until 30 June 2026.
To date in 2025, Council officers have:
- Conducted 147 educational visits to tobacco retailers and hospitality venues
- Provided advice on smoke-free laws and display compliance
- Responded to nine referrals from Victoria Police and the public
Council has asked officers to prepare a report on the future of these programs if state funding is not renewed.
“Councils are on the frontline when it comes to protecting young people from illegal tobacco sales. Without ongoing funding, these important roles are at risk,” Cr Conroy said.
Cracking Down on Illegal Tobacco Sales
Council is also pushing for stronger intelligence sharing between state and federal authorities to combat the illegal tobacco trade and repeat offenders.
As part of its 2025–26 Stronger Together Annual Budget, Council is considering deploying its Rapid Response Team to monitor known non-compliant tobacconists and crack down on anti-social behaviour.
Frankston City Council says it will continue working with MAV and other local governments to ensure public health and community wellbeing remain central to tobacco regulation in Victoria.
