2003-02-12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINNESOTA LAWS AND PENAL TIES TOBACCO SALES · It is illegal to sell tobacco or tobacco devices to a minor. · If you sell tobacco devices to a minor you are guilty of a misdemeanor. You could be fmed up to $1,000 and/or serve up to 90 days in jail. In addition, you could be required to pay a $50 civil fme. · Your store could be required to pay fmes of$75 - $250. Your store may also have its license to sell tobacco suspended. · It is illegal to furnish tobacco or tobacco-related devices to a minor. · If you furnish tobacco or tobacco devices to a minor you are guilty of a misdemeanor. You could be fmed up to $1,000 and/or serve up to 90 days in jail. · It is illegal for a minor (person under age 18) to possess, smoke, chew, or otherwise ingest, purchase, or attempt to purchase tobacco or tobacco related devices. These actions are petty misdemeanors. The minor could receive a fme of up to $100 and be sentenced to community service, probation, or a substance abuse program. (The exception is when a minor is under the direct supervision of a responsible adult for training, education, research, or enforcement purposes.) DEFINITIONS · Tobacco includes cigarettes, cigars, and pipe and smokeless tobacco. . Tobacco devices include cigarette papers or pipes. . A minor is anyone under the age of 18. PENALTY INFORMATION There are several laws that affect tobacco sales in Minnesota and two forms of penalties may apply: administrative and criminal. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES. · A store clerk who sells tobacco to a minor will be charged a civil fme of $50. . The retailer will be charged the following administrative penalties: $75 of fIrst offense, $200 for a second offense within two years and $250 plus a seven -day license suspension for a third offense within two years. . Local ordinances may have higher administrative penalties. CRIMINAL PENAL TIES MISDEMEANOR · Whoever sells tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor. · Whoever furnishes tobacco or tobacco-related devices (such as cigarette papers or pipes) to a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor. . Local ordinances may have higher administrative penalties. Penalty: up to $1,000 fme and/or up to 90 days in jail. PETTY MISMEMEANOR Whoever uses, purchases, or attempts to purchase tobacco or tobacco related devices and is under the age of 18 years is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. This does not apply to a person under the age of 18 years who purchases or attempts to purchase tobacco or tobacco related devices while under the direct supervision of a responsible adult for training, education, research or enforcement purposes. Penalty: a fme of up to $200.