§ 11-9-13.10. Prohibition on the distribution of free tobacco products. The distribution of free tobacco products and electronic nicotine-delivery systems or coupons or vouchers redeemable for free tobacco or electronic nicotine-delivery system products to any person under eighteen (18) years of age shall be prohibited. Further, the distribution of free tobacco products or electronic nicotine-delivery systems or coupons or vouchers redeemable for free tobacco or electronic nicotine-delivery systems products shall be prohibited, regardless of the age of the person to whom the products, coupons, or vouchers are distributed, within five hundred feet (500') of any school. The attorney general, or any local or state of Rhode Island police department, or their officers or agents, shall bring an action for any violation of this section. Every separate, free tobacco product or electronic nicotine-delivery system or coupon or voucher redeemable for a free tobacco or electronic nicotine-delivery system or product in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense subject to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500). The penalty shall be assessed against the business or individual responsible for initiating the Rhode Island distribution of the free tobacco products or electronic nicotine-delivery systems or coupons or vouchers redeemable for free tobacco products or electronic nicotine-delivery systems.

History of Section. (P.L. 1996, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 409, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 426, § 2.)