Australia is on the cusp of a potentially deadly black market alcohol crisis, which mirrors the illicit tobacco turf wars that have engulfed local communities, Master Grocers Australia (MGA) has warned.
MGA CEO Martin Stirling said community, staff and consumer safety are at risk, with increased arson attacks on bars and a drive-by shooting at a busy Melbourne nightspot proof the black-market booze trade was headed in the same deadly direction as illicit tobacco related crime.
“This is dire and it mirrors the early days of the illicit tobacco wars,” Mr Stirling said.
“Our members and the community need swift action now. We need governments to move a lot quicker than they have with the illegal tobacco turf wars to stamp out the black market booze trade before it becomes deadly.”
Master Grocers Australia represents thousands of independently owned small businesses, many of which are licensed to responsibly stock and sell strictly regulated alcohol to shoppers aged 18 and over.
“In many areas, MGA members are often one of the few stores in their communities licensed to responsibly sell legitimate, regulated alcohol.
“If we start seeing dodgy black market booze shops popping up everywhere, like we have seen with illicit tobacco and vapes, our local communities, our members and their staff and everyone in general will be caught in the crossfire – just like we’ve seen with the illicit tobacco wars.”
In a Sunday Herald Sun investigation, a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed authorities had found back market booze manufacturers were “adding household chemicals like paint stripper, brake fluid, solvents and synthetic rubber, which can cause serious illness or death.”
Mr Stirling said MGA members are particularly worried for young adults, who could stop buying alcoholic beverages from responsible, liquor licensed retailers and instead head to a dodgy shop selling black market booze mixed with potentially deadly chemicals.
“Our message to all Australians is to only buy alcohol from a legitimate, licenced retailer.”
Mr Stirling called for immediate action to prevent a black market booze turf war.
“We must see a national approach to this, where laws, shut-down orders and criminal penalties around black-market booze are rigorously enforced the same in every state and territory.
“It must happen right now. There’s no time left to just hope for the best – black market booze is here and it must be shut down before innocent lives are lost.” Mr Striling said.
Download the pdf: Media Release_Dire warning as black market booze crime mirrors illicit tobacco turf wars
