RCW 82.26.190 — Distributors and retailers — Valid license required — Violations — Penalties

(1)(a) No person may engage in or conduct business as a distributor or retailer in this state after September 30, 2005, without a valid license issued under this chapter. Any person who sells tobacco products to persons other than ultimate consumers or who meets the definition of distributor under RCW 82.26.010 (8)(d) must obtain a distributor's license under this chapter. Any person who sells tobacco products to ultimate consumers must obtain a retailer's license under this chapter. (b) A violation of this subsection (1) is punishable as a class C felony according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2)(a) No person engaged in or conducting business as a distributor or retailer in this state may: (i) Refuse to allow the department or the board, on demand, to make a full inspection of any place of business where any of the tobacco products taxed under this chapter are sold, stored, or handled, or otherwise hinder or prevent such inspection; (ii) Make, use, or present or exhibit to the department or the board any invoice for any of the tobacco products taxed under this chapter that bears an untrue date or falsely states the nature or quantity of the goods invoiced; or (iii) Fail to produce on demand of the department or the board all invoices of all the tobacco products taxed under this chapter within five years prior to such demand unless the person can show by satisfactory proof that the nonproduction of the invoices was due to causes beyond the person's control. (b) No person, other than a licensed distributor or retailer, may transport tobacco products for sale in this state for which the taxes imposed under this chapter have not been paid unless: (i) Notice of the transportation has been given as required under RCW 82.26.140 ; (ii) The person transporting the tobacco products actually possesses invoices or delivery tickets showing the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of tobacco products being transported; and (iii) The tobacco products are consigned to or purchased by a person in this state who is licensed under this chapter. (c) A violation of this subsection (2) is a gross misdemeanor. (3) Any person licensed under this chapter as a distributor, and any person licensed under this chapter as a retailer, may not operate in any other capacity unless the additional appropriate license is first secured. A violation of this subsection (3) is a misdemeanor. (4) The penalties provided in this section are in addition to any other penalties provided by law for violating the provisions of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter. [ 2020 c 139 s 34 ; 2009 c 154 s 6 ; 2005 c 180 s 16 .] Notes: Effective date — 2005 c 180: See note following RCW 82.26.105 .