Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1553-B is enacted to read:

§1553-B.__Prohibited conduct

The provisions of this section apply to the advertising and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

1.__Coupons, premiums and prizes.__The distribution and use of coupons and other forms of proof of purchase and the distribution of cigarettes and tobacco products, prizes and premiums through coupons and other forms of proof of purchase are prohibited.

2.__Outdoor advertising.__The use of outdoor advertising is prohibited.__For the purposes of this subsection "outdoor advertising" means signs, posters and written materials that advertise for sale or display the name or insignia of a cigarette or other tobacco product that are placed outside or inside a building or shelter in a manner so as to be visible from outside.

3.__Sponsorship of public events held in State.__The sponsorship of public events held by tobacco product manufacturers in the State is prohibited.

4.__Penalty.__A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged for the first violation and a civil penalty of not less than $1000 nor more than $5000 may be adjudged for a repeat violation.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the use of coupons for distribution of cigarettes, tobacco products, prizes or premiums and outdoor advertising and sponsorship of instate public events with regard to cigarettes and other tobacco products.