§ 8-613. Unlawful operation of vending machines and related manufacture of slugs

   (a) Definitions. --

   (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   (2) "Service" includes the use of telephone or telegraph facilities, gas, electricity, or a musical instrument, phonograph, or other property.

   (3) "Vending machine" includes a slot machine, pay telephone, or other receptacle designed to receive United States currency in connection with the sale or use of property or of a service.

(b) Prohibited. -- A person may not:

   (1) operate, cause to be operated, or attempt to operate or cause to be operated a vending machine by a means not lawfully authorized by the owner, lessee, or licensee of the vending machine, including by means of a slug or by counterfeit, mutilated, sweated, or foreign currency;

   (2) take, obtain, or receive from or in connection with a vending machine any property or service, without depositing into the vending machine United States currency in the amount required by the owner, lessee, or licensee of the vending machine; or

   (3) manufacture for sale, sell, or give away a slug or device that is intended to be deposited in a vending machine if the person:

      (i) intends to defraud the owner, lessee, licensee, or other person entitled to the contents of the vending machine; or

      (ii) knows that the slug or device is intended for unlawful use.

(c) Penalty. -- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $ 500 or both.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 57, 58; 2002, ch. 26, § 2.