Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person who transports, possesses, or consumes alcoholic liquors except in a manner permitted by this article or a person who violates any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. In addition, a person licensed to sell alcoholic liquors pursuant to the provisions of this article who acts to avoid the payment of the excise tax imposed on the serving of alcoholic beverages by the drink provided for in Chapter 33, Title 12 or who violates another provision of this article must:

1. (1) for a first offense, be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or have his license suspended for not more than thirty days, or both;
2. (2) for a second offense within three years of the first offense, be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or have his license suspended for not more than one hundred eighty days, or both;
3. (3) for a third offense within three years of the first offense, be fined not less than five hundred dollars and have his license revoked permanently;
4. (4) for a violation involving the avoidance of taxes, be fined not less than one thousand dollars and permanent revocation of his license.

HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 415, Section 1; 2005 Act No. 139, Section 23.