HB 2077 - DIGEST

     Declares that, beginning July 1, 2000, self-service displays of tobacco products are prohibited.  All in-store tobacco products must be sold from behind the counter or from within locked display units.  This section does not apply to retailers who sell tobacco products exclusively.

     Provides that no person shall sell or permit to be sold a package or container of fewer than twenty cigarettes.  All cigarettes must be sold in original unopened packages or containers to which the stamps required by RCW 82.24.060 have been affixed.

     Authorizes the liquor control board to impose sanctions against a person licensed under RCW 82.24.510(1)(b) or 82.24.530 for violations of rules under this act and for which a statutory penalty is not proscribed.

     Authorizes the liquor control board under this act to adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 relating to the enforcement of provisions regarding distribution of tobacco products, especially relating to minors.

     Declares that no person may knowingly or willfully resist or oppose any state, county, or municipal peace officer, or liquor enforcement officer, in the discharge of his or her duties under this chapter, or aid and abet such resistance or opposition.  A violation of this provision is a misdemeanor.

     Declares that no tobacco manufacturer, wholesaler, or agent thereof, may pay the monetary penalty of a tobacco retailer licensed under Title 82 RCW, nor may a tobacco retailer licensed under Title 82 RCW accept moneys for payment of a monetary penalty from a tobacco manufacturer, wholesaler, or agent thereof.  A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of two thousand five hundred dollars for the first offense and five thousand dollars for each offense thereafter.