[5] 9 - Unlicensed Sale or Service of Tobacco
Selling tobacco or tobacco-derived products without a valid state-issued tobacco retailer licence. Licensed premises must maintain an active licence and ensure it is clearly displayed while operating.
Misdemeanor
Sentence: 150 Seconds
Fine: $1250
Sentence: 150 Seconds
Fine: $1250
Examples:
1. A convenience store sells cigarettes without obtaining or displaying a valid licence.
2. A shop refuses to provide proof of a valid licence to officers during inspection.
3. A previously warned store continues selling tobacco products without correcting its licensing violation.
1. A convenience store sells cigarettes without obtaining or displaying a valid licence.
2. A shop refuses to provide proof of a valid licence to officers during inspection.
3. A previously warned store continues selling tobacco products without correcting its licensing violation.
Enforcement guidelines
Step 1 — Officer Verification
- Request proof of a valid alcohol licence.
- Check that the licence is active and visibly displayed.
Step 2 — Compliance Opportunity (when reasonable)
- Allow correction if:
- Licence exists but is not displayed.
- Operator can reasonably provide proof.
- Issue a warning or order compliance.
Step 3 — Criminal Enforcement Applies When
- No valid licence exists.
- Operator refuses lawful requests for proof.
- Business continues selling alcohol after notice.
- Licence is fraudulent, revoked, or intentionally misrepresented.
- Repeated violations occur.
Step 1 — Officer Verification
- Request proof of a valid alcohol licence.
- Check that the licence is active and visibly displayed.
Step 2 — Compliance Opportunity (when reasonable)
- Allow correction if:
- Licence exists but is not displayed.
- Operator can reasonably provide proof.
- Issue a warning or order compliance.
Step 3 — Criminal Enforcement Applies When
- No valid licence exists.
- Operator refuses lawful requests for proof.
- Business continues selling alcohol after notice.
- Licence is fraudulent, revoked, or intentionally misrepresented.
- Repeated violations occur.