57-36-02. Distributors and dealers to be licensed

Each person engaged in the business of selling cigarettes, cigarette papers, snuff, cigars, or tobacco in this state, including any distributor or dealer, must secure a license from the attorney general before engaging or continuing to engage in business.  A separate application and license is required for each distributor at each outlet or place of business within the state, and a separate dealer's license is required for each retail outlet when a person owns or controls more than one place of business dealing in cigarettes, cigarette papers, snuff, cigars, or tobacco.  No retailer will be granted a distributor's license except a retailer who, in the usual course of business, performed a distributor's or wholesaler's function for at least one year prior to filing the license application.  The application prescribed by the attorney general must include the name and address of the applicant, the address and place of business, the type of business, and other information as required for the proper administration of this chapter.  Each application for a wholesale or distributor's outlet license must be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars and a surety bond approved by the attorney general.  Each application for a dealer's outlet license must be accompanied by a fee of fifteen dollars.  A reinstatement fee of fifty dollars is required in addition to the annual license fee for each license renewal applied for after June thirtieth.  The total reinstatement fee may not exceed five hundred dollars for any one licensee in any fiscal year.  A distributor's license does not authorize the holder to make retail sales.  Each license issued must be prominently displayed on the premises covered by the license.