Stay calm. Get it in writing. Keep your rights.

General information, not legal advice. If you are cited, get help before responding and never let an appeal deadline pass.

1. 1

   Stay calm and cooperative. You support the law and want to comply. Tone matters.

2. 2

   Get it in writing. Ask exactly which products are alleged to violate and the legal basis. Write down the officer's name, badge, and agency.

3. 3

   Do not pull compliant inventory on the spot, and do not agree to a blanket seizure. Ask the officer to identify the legal authority for any seizure, and ask for a product-specific list and a receipt for anything taken.

4. 4

   Offer your records. Premium status is proven by purchase invoices, not shelf prices. Offer to show them.

5. 5

   Show the state's own enforcement bulletin. The Attorney General's bulletin says enforcement should focus first on education for products like hand-rolled cigars. Keep a printed copy at the register. It is guidance, not a shield, but it shows good faith.

6. 6

   Note any correction deadline, preserve your appeal rights, and get help before responding.

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