Chap. 406.—An ACT to prohibit the use of trading stamps, trading checks, and
similar gift enterprises, and providing a punishment for those who use them.

Approved February 19, 1898.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That no person
shall sell, or offer for sale, any article or merchandise of any descrip-
tion whatever, with the promise, express or implied, to give or deliver,
or in any manner hold out the promise of gift or delivery of any ticket,
check, metal or paper stamp, or other written or printed promise or as-
surance, express or implied, that the said ticket, check, metal or paper
stamp, or written or printed promise or assurance, may be used in pay-
ment or purchase of, or exchange for any other articles of merchandise
from any other person or corporation.

2. It shall not be unlawful for any merchant or manufacturer to place
tickets or coupons in packages of goods sold or manufactured by him,
such tickets or coupons to be redeemed by such merchant or manufac-
turer either in money or merchandise, whether such packages are sold
directly to the consumer, or through retail merchants; nor shall it be
unlawful for any person to give out with such package tickets or cou-
pons so given out by such merchant or manufacturer.

3. Any person violating the provisions of this act shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine of not more than one
thousand dollars, or be imprisoned in jail not exceeding six months or
both, in the discretion of the justice or jury trying the offence.