The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) reminds all tobacco dealers that according to the Tobacco Law, their applications for registration renewals must be submitted by 1 November 2015.
Because 1 November falls on a Sunday, DCI advises the dealers to have their renewals in by Friday, 30 October.
Applications submitted between 2 November and 31 December will attract a late charge fee that is 50% higher than the regular renewal rate. Applications submitted between 1 January and 31 January will incur a late fee of 100% of the regular renewal rate. Any dealer who does not apply for a renewal before 31 January must cease operations for one year before he or she is allowed to submit a new application.
DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh said tobacco dealers who do not adhere to the law will face penalties.
'The Tobacco Law (2008) requires dealers to register their tobacco products annually', he said. 'Failure to comply means that persons are operating illegally, and therefore they are subject to fines or prosecution'.
Annual registration renewal fees are CI$500 for a retailer; CI$750 for a cigar bar; and CI$5,000 for a wholesale distributor.
Renewal application forms are available on www.dci.gov.ky, and at the Business Licensing Counter (formerly known as the Trade and Business Licensing Counter) located on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.
All applications must be submitted along with a current trade and business licence certificate, and written notification of changes made since the last registration, such as the dealer's contact details, business location, ownership, and trade of products information.
For more information, contact DCI's Tobacco Administrator Samone Morgan at samone.morgan@gov.ky.
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