Massachusetts § 289 - Turpentine; manufacture; sale; marking; adulteration

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 289 — Turpentine; manufacture; sale; marking; adulteration, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 289. Turpentine; manufacture; sale; marking; adulteration

Section 289. No person shall manufacture, mix for sale, dispose of, offer or expose for sale, have in possession with intent to sell or dispose of, or sell under the name of turpentine, or spirits of turpentine, or under any name or phrase of which the word turpentine forms a part, or under any name or device illustrating or suggesting turpentine or spirits of turpentine, any article which is not wholly distilled from rosin, turpentine gum, or scrapings from pine trees, unmixed and unadulterated with any other substance, unless the package containing the same shall be stencilled or marked, with letters not less than two inches in height and one inch in width, ''Adulterated Spirits of Turpentine'', except that these letters upon packages of one gallon capacity, or less, may be reduced to one fourth of the said size. No person shall sell or deliver such adulterated spirits of turpentine without informing the purchaser at the time of sale that the article is not pure spirits of turpentine. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the manufacture or sale of such compound or imitation, if the container is plainly marked and the purchaser notified as aforesaid.

Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished for the first offence by a fine of one hundred dollars, for the second offence by a fine of two hundred dollars, and for a subsequent offence by a fine of five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one month, or both.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 289

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 289 cover?

Section 289 ("Turpentine; manufacture; sale; marking; adulteration") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts § 289?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 289" (Massachusetts). 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 Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 289 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.