Restrictions on sale of smokeless tobacco or electronic cigarette products -- Exceptions.
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(1) The Legislature finds that:
(a) smokeless tobacco, or chewing tobacco, is harmful to the health of individuals who use those products because research indicates that they may cause mouth or oral cancers;
(b) the use of smokeless tobacco among juveniles in this state is increasing rapidly;
(c) the use of electronic cigarette products may lead to unhealthy behavior such as the use of tobacco products; and
(d) it is necessary to restrict the gift of the products described in this Subsection (1) in the interest of the health of the citizens of this state.
(2)
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), it is unlawful for a manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer to:
(i) give or distribute without charge any smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarette product in this state;
(ii) sell, offer for sale, or furnish any electronic cigarette product at less than the cost, including the amount of any applicable tax, of the product to the manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer; or
(iii) give, distribute, sell, offer for sale, or furnish any electronic cigarette product for free or at a lower price because the recipient of the electronic cigarette product makes another purchase.
(b) The price that a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer may charge under Subsection (2)(a)(ii) does not include a discount for:
(i) a physical manufacturer coupon:
(A) that is surrendered to the wholesaler or retailer at the time of sale; and
(B) for which the manufacturer will reimburse the wholesaler or the retailer for the full amount of the discount described in the manufacturer coupon and provided to the purchaser;
(ii) a rebate that will be paid to the manufacturer, the wholesaler, or the retailer for the full amount of the rebate provided to the purchaser; or
(iii) a promotional fund that will be paid to the manufacturer, the wholesaler, or the retailer for the full amount of the promotional fund provided to the purchaser.
(c) Any individual who violates this section is guilty of:
(i) a class C misdemeanor for the first offense; and
(ii) a class B misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
(3) Smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, or an electronic cigarette product may be distributed to adults without charge at professional conventions where the general public is excluded.