§4686.  Forfeiture of right to do business because of violation of Subpart

Whoever violates the provisions of this Subpart or of any rule or regulation adopted under the provisions of this Subpart, may, in addition to any civil penalty that may be imposed by the commissioner under this Subpart, for the first and second offense, forfeit the right, for not less than one week nor more than six months, to continue or to engage in the business of buying, selling, or distributing petroleum products at the place of business involved.  For any subsequent offense, the offender may forfeit the right to engage in said business for not less than three months nor more than twelve months.  This forfeiture shall extend only to the individual guilty of the offense, unless the individual is acting as an agent for a principal who knew of and participated in the violation, or knowing of the violation, acquiesced therein.  The forfeiture shall extend to the right to use the filling station and all tanks, pumps, containers or equipment for the same period of time for the first and second offense.  However, if the dealer does not own the property or equipment, and is merely renting, leasing or borrowing it, or is acting as agent for another, the forfeiture will extend to the owner or principal only if the owner or principal knew, or had good reason to know, of the violation.  The commissioner has authority on motion in court to take a rule against the dealer, to show cause in not less than two nor more than ten days, inclusive of holidays after the service thereof, why said dealer should not be ordered to cease from further pursuit of business as dealer for the aforesaid period.  Violations of the injunction shall be considered as a contempt of court and punished according to law.  These motions shall be tried out of term and in chambers, and always by preference.

Acts 2003, No. 139, §1, eff. May 28, 2003.