The Queensland government has announced a crackdown on landlords who knowingly lease properties to illegal tobacco and vape retailers.

It says it will introduce the nation’s strictest laws, with property owners found to be complicit in or overlooking illegal activity facing a year in jail and a maximum fine of $161,300.

The proposed legislation would extend interim closure orders from 72 hours to three months, let health authorities conduct covert investigations, and allow seizure of legal products if found alongside illicit vapes and cigarettes.  

It would also permit a landlord to terminate a lease agreement if their tenant has triggered a closure order. 

“Any landlords who don’t use this termination right to kick out their dodgy tenants will be considered complicit and will face hefty fines and possible jail time,” state Health Services Minister Tim Nicholls said.

The move comes after Victoria introduced reforms last year when gangland arson attacks prompted insurers to stop covering tobacco shops.

Queensland has issued more than $5 million of fines over the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes since April, and has seized about $20.8 million of products.

“Despite all our recent progress, the illegal trade remains deeply entrenched,” Mr Nicholls said.

“This is because the profits simply outweigh risk of enforcement and the current laws limit enforcement responsiveness by being too onerous or relying on prosecution through the courts.

“These new laws, released for public consultation ... will help fix this.” 

Consultations on the reforms are open until June 20.