Best Vape Shops in Melbourne 2026

The current conflict includes both the physical placement of illicit tobacco into stores, as well as demands for stores to sell the syndicate's illicit product and to pay a 'tax' per week to operate. At this time, Taskforce Lunar investigators believe the current situation is  as a result of criminal syndicates in conflict due to competition for profit derived from the illicit tobacco market. In the days leading up to the blaze, a note was allegedly placed on the front of the tobacco store instructing the business owners to contact "The Commission", a suspected organised crime group targeting businesses through extortion attempts. When it comes to service, it’s a bit of a lucky dip, if I’m being honest.
A cracking team has assembled to lead a new opening in Melbourne’s CBD, by Conferre Group, the folks also behind Tipo 00, Osteria Ilaria, Figlia and Grana. The modern European restaurant is a slight departure cigarette shop melbourne for the group, which has focused mostly on Italian fare, though it won’t stray too far from the formula of excellent food and outstanding wine. Mains-wise, they’re considering rainbow trout served with baby leeks and roe; and Sher wagyu rump with parsley root and pink radicchio.

Bowls of exceptional pho and delicious rice paper rolls are a must, as are signatures like banh cuon, which is a fermented rice batter filled with seasoned ground pork, mushrooms and shallots. This smart, handsome wine bar is as low-key as they come, preferring the humble neighbourhood approach over anything flashy. But Etta is still a big deal, presenting an intelligent range of Asian and Middle Eastern flavours helmed by head chef Lorcan Kan.
He was due to re-open on Friday night after being closed for renovations for three months, but has had to cancel the party after the club suffered smoke and water damage from the convenience store fire. A convenience store on the popular Chapel Street night strip was set alight on Thursday morning. For payment options, they’re pretty modern – they’ll take your cards, EFTPOS, or good old-fashioned cash. Whether you’re just ducking in for a quick purchase or need some advice about their products, they’ve got you sorted with whatever payment method suits you best.
Today, Smokemart can be found in 480+ locations, including stand-alone stores, and OTR locations combined. Ballarat remains one of Victoria's most important regional centres with strong retail activity throughout the city. Geelong continues to grow as one of Victoria's largest regional cities, with strong retail demand across central shopping districts and suburban centres. Melbourne CBD remains Victoria's largest commercial centre, attracting office workers, students, tourists and local shoppers every day. This Victoria directory highlights real tobacconist businesses located across key commercial areas throughout the state.

The Allan government passed its “crackdown legislation” in December, after first promising it would move on the illicit industry in March 2024. Until now, regulating tobacco retailers has been the responsibility of local council areas – and has proven to be a dismal failure. “When you’ve got very strong demand, which we do for nicotine in Australia, and you have readily available illicit supply, which we also have, then the argument is it doesn’t matter what enforcement does,” Martin said. The Age has spoken to four police, underworld and industry sources – as well as criminology, public health and security analysts – to examine the extent of the issue, the failings in enforcement so far, and possible solutions.
Bulk import licences issued in 2026 allow Melbourne wholesalers to land sea-freight consignments 11 days faster than Sydney’s Port Botany, shaving freight cost per unit by 29 cents. Those savings flow straight to the shelf, explaining why cheap disposable vapes melbourne price comparison charts dominate Reddit threads. Police have executed warrants at over 30 tobacco stores across Melbourne this week as part of the ongoing investigation by Taskforce Lunar into organised crime syndicates linked to illicit tobacco. Smoke Dreams, which is owned by Seventh Gate Pty Ltd, is an Australian company that believes  in free choice. It is our mission to make the highest quality products from around the World available to consenting adults.

Now with enough space for 200 diners, a jazzy Parisian design, and a raw seafood bar, this hub of fine French food is firing on all cylinders. Pick up some lobster frites if it’s a special occasion and make sure to stop the caviar trolley as it darts between the tables. Of course, you could just go straight for the kitchen’s signature steak frites served simply with herb sauce and browse the long wine list or ask for one of the bar’s astutely balanced, French-inspired cocktails. I don’t think it’ll ever change; if it did, there’d be a riot of fussy foodies outside. If you’re looking for good vegetarian food in Melbourne, the top suggestion is likely Smith and Daughters.
A 250-bottle wine list holds the other end of the experience, representing some of the world’s finest growing regions with a preference towards textural, distinctive wines. You’ll be leaving with a new favourite or two, especially if you’ve left it up to the knowledgeable staff to choose. Modelled after the intimate, wine-centric trattorias you’d find scattered around Piedmont, Alta Trattoria is easily one of Fitzroy’s best Italian restaurants. And one of its most attractive, favouring a bucolic look with forest green hues and interior olive trees.
Plus, they’re open late, making it perfect for an evening visit when I need something last minute. South Yarra Tobacconist feels like a trip down memory lane with a modern twist. Every time I walk in, I’m reminded of classic tobacconists, but it has this fresh, welcoming atmosphere that keeps me coming back.

The man doesn't want to be identified but is happy to open his shopping bag and show us his purchase. "It will also help fund intelligence gathering activities … to intercept the activity of organised crime gangs." Health Minister Mark Butler said the crackdown  would help to "stamp out" vaping and cut smoking rates, as well as deal with criminal syndicates seeking to profit from the import ban.
An agreement was reached for a truce because it’s more profitable and less dangerous than waging open war in the city’s most densely populated area. The CBD has been declared an “open territory” by the warring gangs – a zone where any of the half dozen criminal syndicates vying for control of the multibillion-dollar black market are free to ply their wares without fear of violence. The Australian Border Force takes export compliance seriously — ignorance of the rules is not a mitigating defence.