No wholesaler may be issued a permit or otherwise engage in and carry on business as a wholesaler of cigarettes until he first shall qualify under the rules promulgated by the state tax commission with reference to financial ability. Such restriction shall not apply to any wholesaler lawfully in business on the date this act is passed and approved. In addition no wholesaler’s permit shall be issued unless:

1. (1) in the case of a natural person, he be an Idaho resident, or
2. (2) in case of a corporation, it is an Idaho corporation or a foreign corporation holding a certificate of authority issued by the secretary of state and maintaining a registered office and registered agent pursuant to the Idaho business corporation act, chapter 1, title 30, Idaho Code.

[63-2504, added 1974, ch. 211, sec. 4, p. 1548; am. 1986, ch. 193, sec. 3, p. 489; am. 1998, ch. 43, sec. 1, p. 188.]