Maine § 6857. - Lobster meat permit

§ 6857.. Lobster meat permit

1.  Permit required.  A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current lobster meat permit.

2.  Permitted activity.  A lobster meat permit authorizes a wholesale seafood license holder or a retail seafood license holder to remove lobster meat from the shell for sale under the following conditions.

A. The meat may be removed from the shell only at the establishment named in the permit.   [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §60 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

B. The meat may come from only legal-sized lobsters.   [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §60 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

C. Tail sections must be removed from the shell whole and intact and must be maintained in that state.   [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §60 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

D. All containers in which lobster meat is packed after removal and that are to be sold, shipped or transported must be clearly labeled with the lobster meat permit number of the packer.   [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §60 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

3.  Exception.  A permit is not required to remove lobster meat for serving in hotels and restaurants if the meat is removed from the shell in a hotel or restaurant for serving on the premises.

4.  License limitation.  A permit authorizes these activities at only one location or place of business.

5.  Fee.  The fee for a lobster meat permit is $159.

6.  Prima facie evidence meat removed for sale.  If any lobster meat that has been removed from the shell is found on the premises of any establishment that is engaged in the selling, serving, processing or transporting of food in any form for human consumption, it is prima facie evidence that the meat was removed for sale.

7.  Violation.  A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.