Sec. 9-15.3. - Nature and size of penalties.

(a)

The license holder is responsible for all violations of this section that occur at the location for which the license is issued. Any license holder who or that violates the prohibition of section 9-15.2 shall be subject to civil fines as follows:

(1)

A fine of $250.00 for the first violation within any 36-month period;

(2)

A fine of $500.00 for the second violation within any 36-month period;

(3)

A fine of $1,000.00 and a 14-day suspension of the license to sell tobacco products or electronic nicotine-delivery systems for the third violation within any 36-month period;

(4)

A fine of $1,500.00 and a 90-day suspension of the license to sell tobacco products or electronic nicotine-delivery systems for each violation in excess of three.

(5)

In addition to the penalties set forth above, the municipal court may order any person in violation of this section to complete tobacco retailer training as deemed appropriate by the local substance abuse task force (East Providence Prevention Coalition).

(b)

All fines collected by municipal court shall be paid to the City of East Providence. It is the intent of this legislation that all fines collected by the City of East Providence hereunder shall be used for the purpose of the East Providence Police Department conducting tobacco produce compliance checks and the East Providence Prevention Coalition providing tobacco education.

(c)

Any person violating this section shall be cited for such violation and may:

(1)

Pay the fine indicated on the citation either by mail or in person, within 20 days after receiving the citation; or

(2)

Shall be required to appear in the municipal court for the City of East Providence for a hearing on that citation.

(Ch. 839, § I, 5-17-22)