Maine § 2498. - Fines and penalties
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 2498. — Fines and penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2498.. Fines and penalties
1. Authorization. The department is authorized to impose one or more of the following sanctions when a violation of this chapter, or rules enacted pursuant to this chapter, occurs and the department determines that a sanction is necessary and appropriate to ensure compliance with state licensing rules or to protect the public health.
A. The department may impose penalties for violations of this chapter, or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, on any eating establishment, lodging place, recreational camp, youth camp, public pool or public spa or campground. The penalties may not be greater than $100 for each violation. Each day that the violation remains uncorrected may be counted as a separate offense. Penalties may be imposed for each violation of the rules. [PL 2017, c. 322, §7 (AMD).]
B. The department may direct an eating establishment, lodging place, recreational camp, youth camp, public pool or public spa or campground to correct any violations in a manner and within a time frame that the department determines is appropriate to ensure compliance with state rules or to protect the public health. Failure to correct violations within the time frames constitutes a separate finable violation. [PL 2017, c. 322, §7 (AMD).]
C. The department may impose penalties up to $5,000 on any person, corporation, firm or copartnership that operates any eating establishment, lodging place, recreational camp, youth camp, public pool or public spa or campground without an active, valid license, as determined by the department. Each day any such person, corporation, firm or copartnership operates without an active, valid license constitutes a separate offense. [PL 2021, c. 125, §14 (AMD).]
D. In the event of any violation of this section or any rule pursuant to this chapter, the Attorney General may seek to enjoin a further violation, in addition to any other remedy. [PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. J, §5 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. RRR (AFF); PL 1991, c. 591, Pt. J, §5 (NEW).]
E. A person, corporation, firm or copartnership that fails to pay a penalty imposed pursuant to this chapter:
(2) In addition to all fines and penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter, is liable for any interest, costs and fees incurred by the department, including attorney's fees. [PL 2013, c. 264, §6 (NEW).]
2. Schedule of penalties. The department shall establish a schedule of penalties according to the nature and duration of the violation.
3. Enforcement and appeal. Enforcement and appeal of this section is as follows.
A. The department may impose any fine in conformity with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV, providing the licensee the opportunity for an administrative hearing. [PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. J, §5 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. RRR (AFF); PL 1991, c. 591, Pt. J, §5 (NEW).]
B. Licensees that are fined pursuant to this chapter are required to pay the department the amount of the penalties. If a licensee has not paid any collectible fines by the time of its license renewal, the department may collect such fines by requiring their payment prior to the processing of any license renewal application. An appeal of the department's decision to fine a licensee stays the collection of any fine. Interest must accrue on fines at a rate described in Title 14, section 1602‑B prior to the completion of any appeal. After the completion of any appeal process or after any appeal period has passed, interest must accrue pursuant to Title 14, section 1602‑C. [PL 2003, c. 460, §11 (AMD).]
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 2498.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 2498. cover?
Section 2498. ("Fines and penalties") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 2498.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 2498." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 2498. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.