§3321-A. Store security

1.  Definition.  For purposes of this section, "convenience store" means a retail store that specializes in the sale of a limited quantity and variety of consumable items in their original containers.

[PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

2.  Restrictions.  A person may not keep open a convenience store 24 hours a day unless the store has:

A. A drop safe that is bolted to the floor, installed in the floor or weighs at least 500 pounds;   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

B. A conspicuous sign in the store entrance that states that between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. the cash register contains $50 or less, that there is a safe in the store and that the safe is not accessible to the employees;   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

C. During the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., no more than $50 cash available and readily accessible to employees; and   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

D. An alarm or telephone within the store that is accessible to the employees. The alarm must be connected to a public or private safety agency.   [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

[PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

3.  Penalty.  A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. A violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17-A, section 34, subsection 4-A. A complaint charging violation of this section may not issue later than 5 days after its alleged commission. Each day that a violation of this section occurs is considered a separate offense.

[PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

4.  Injunctive relief.  In addition to any criminal penalties provided in this section, the Attorney General, a district attorney or a resident of a municipality in which a violation is claimed to have occurred may file a complaint with the Superior Court to enjoin a violation of this section. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction of the complaints and authority to enjoin the violations.

[PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §57 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2003, c. 452, §I57 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 452, §X2 (AFF).