Closing Out Sales

30-A MRSA Section 3781 et seq.

Licensing standards & procedures:  The application for the closing out sale license must contain a complete inventory of all items included in the sale, and given under oath.  All inventory to be sold must be at the place of sale when the sale begins.  If the business has been in operation in the municipality for less than two continuous years, the application must also include a written declaration given under oath that no merchandise was purchased prior to the sale for the purpose of disposing of that merchandise at the sale.  "Unusual purchases" made within 60 days of the application are to be considered prima facie evidence that the purchase was made in contemplation of the sale.  A license may be refused to a person who has previously violated the statutory licensing requirements.

Revocation standards & procedures:  The municipal officers must revoke the license if the licensee is convicted by the courts of violating this statute.  Revocation for other reasons is apparently restricted.

This licensing procedure governs any sale which states either directly or by implication that the intent of the seller is to dispose of the entire stock of goods with a view to permanently terminating further business after that disposal is complete.

Fees:  Currently $0, set by the Municipal Officers

License expiration is sixty days unless sooner revoked.  The applicant may apply for a 60 day extension by submitting an affidavit that all the merchandise listed in the application inventory was not sold within the first 60 days.

Click here to download a closing out sale license application