No Use of Public Assistance Funds for the Purchase of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

Products.

(a)The use of public welfare assistance program funds for the purchase of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products is prohibited.

(b)A welfare recipient who violates subsection

(a)hereof shall be penalized as follows:

(1)A first offense shall result in the revocation of benefits from the program in question for a period not to exceed three

(3)months.

(2)A second offense shall result in the revocation of benefits from the program in question for a period not to exceed six

(6)months.

(3)A third offense shall result in the permanent revocation of benefits from the program in question.

(c)A business vendor who violates subsection

(a)hereof shall be penalized as follows:

(1)A first offense shall result in a penalty of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each violation.

(2)A second offense shall result in a penalty of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each violation.

(3)A third offense shall result in a penalty of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each violation.

(4)A fourth offense shall result in the permanent revocation of the vendor’s right to participate in the program in question.

(d)The Director of Public Health and Social Services shall enforce this Section. The Director shall approve the imposition of the aforementioned penalties as well as the reconsideration of said penalties following an appeal. The Director shall use existing appeal procedures when applicable.

(e)The Director shall periodically review each program and its beneficiaries and vendors regarding compliance herewith.

(f)The Director shall notify current public welfare recipients and vendors, in writing, regarding the prohibitions and penalties imposed by this Section. Said notice shall include, but not be limited to, news media sources and electronic means.