CT HB06299

Expands the definition of "chain store" cigarette distributors to include franchisors of five or more retail stores who share in gross profits, in addition to operators of five or more stores with common ownership and control.

Removes the requirement that chain stores have "common ownership and control" when applying for distributor licenses, exempting them from filing three manufacturer affidavits otherwise required for initial applications.

Allows chain store distributors operating or franchising fewer than 15 retail stores to pay a reduced annual license fee of $315, compared to the standard $1,250 fee for other distributors.

Applies the revised "chain store" definition to cigarette stamping agents and subjobbers, allowing franchisors of five or more retail stores to qualify under those licensing categories.

Updates references throughout Connecticut's cigarette tax and licensing statutes to recognize "or franchising" in addition to operating retail stores for chain store distributor classifications, effective July 1, 2011.