Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1553-A, sub-§1, ¶¶B and C, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 470, §9 and affected by §19, are amended to read:

B. A sign must be affixed conspicuously to the front of the machine. The sign must:

(1) Contain lettering that is at least 3/8 inches inch in height; and

(2) State the following: "WARNING. It Warn that it is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 specified in section 1555-B, subsection 2 to purchase cigarettes in this State."

C. At all times during the hours the vending machine is accessible, it must be located within the unobstructed line of sight and under the direct supervision of an adult. That adult is responsible for preventing persons under 18 years of the age specified in section 1555-B, subsection 2 from purchasing cigarettes or any other tobacco product from that vending machine.

Sec. 2. 22 MRSA §1555-B, sub-§§1, 2 and 4, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 305, §5, are amended to read:

1. Retail sales. Tobacco products may be sold at retail only in a direct, face-to-face exchange in which the purchaser may be clearly identified and through the mail under procedures approved by the department to provide reliable verification that the purchaser is not a minor under the age specified in subsection 2.

2. Sales to persons under specified age prohibited. A person may not sell, furnish, give away or offer to sell, furnish or give away a tobacco product to any person under 18 years of age, except that beginning January 1, 2004, this minimum age is raised to 19 years of age; beginning January 1, 2005, this minimum age is raised to 20 years of age; and beginning January 1, 2006, this minimum age is raised to 21 years of age. Tobacco products may not be sold at retail to any person under 27 years of age unless the seller first verifies that person's age by means of reliable photographic identification containing the person's date of birth.

4. Wholesale sales. Tobacco products may be distributed at wholesale without a face-to-face exchange only in the normal course of trade and under procedures approved by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Taxation