If an application for renewal of the license provided for in RCW 15.30.020 is not filed prior to September 1st of any one year, a penalty of two dollars and fifty cents shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license shall be issued: PROVIDED, That such penalty shall not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit that he or she has not engaged in the business of operating a controlled atmosphere storage warehouse subsequent to the expiration of his or her prior license.