16-11-144. Revocation or suspension of license. (1) The department may revoke or suspend the license of any wholesaler, subjobber, tobacco product vendor, retailer, or person licensed under 16-11-303 for failure to comply with any provision of The Montana Cigarette Sales Act (Title 16, chapter 10), this chapter, or with any lawful rule of the department made pursuant to those laws.

(2) A person aggrieved by a revocation or suspension may apply to the department for a hearing, which must be open to the public. If the person is aggrieved by the decision of the department, the person may further appeal to the court.

(3) When a license has been revoked, a license may not be issued to the licensee for a period of 1 year after revocation. When a license has been suspended, the suspension may be for any period not to exceed 1 year.

(4) A person who sells tobacco products after the person's license has been revoked or suspended is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to the penalties in 16-11-148, and all tobacco products in the person's possession must be seized and forfeited to the state.