Updated Fine Schedule for Tobacco Violations
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
By David Gaudet
All tobacco retailers should be aware that the Department of Health and Human Services released an updated fine schedule for tobacco violations. The increase is based on an adjustment for inflation. Note that the adjusted amounts apply to all fines assessed after August 1, 2016, even if the violation occurred as far back as November 2, 2015.
1 |
$0 with a Warning Letter |
$0 with a Warning Letter |
2 within a 12-month period |
$250 |
$279 |
3 within a 24-month period |
$500 |
$559 |
4 within a 24-month period |
$2,000 |
$2,236 |
5 within a 36-month period |
$5,000 |
$5,591 |
6 within a 48-month period |
$10,000 |
$11,182 |
Source: https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/NewsEvents/ucm519578.htm
As a retailer, you are responsible for knowing the rules and fines associated with tobacco sales. The FDA’s approach is to hold each store responsible for its own sales activity, whether it is part of a chain or independent.
If you have additional questions, you can contact us at customerservice@barsprogram.com or 1-877-540-5500.
You can also read the full rule here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/06/2016-18680/adjustment-of-civil-monetary-penalties-for-inflation