Sec. 1. It is declared to be the public policy of this state to promote the public welfare by making unlawful unfair, dishonest, deceptive, destructive and fraudulent business practices now existing in transactions involving the sale of, offer to sell, or inducement to sell cigarettes in this state in wholesale and retail trades. The offering for sale or sale of cigarettes below cost in the retail or wholesale trade with the intent of injuring competitors or destroying or substantially lessening competition is an unfair and deceptive business practice and adversely affects the collection of revenue due this state from the sale of cigarettes.

Formerly: Acts 1949, c.51, s.1.