(a) Any person who maintains in such person's place of business a vending machine which dispenses cigarettes, tobacco products, or tobacco related objects shall place or cause to be placed in a conspicuous place on such vending machine a sign containing the following statement:

"THE PURCHASE OF CIGARETTES, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR TOBACCO RELATED OBJECTS FROM THIS VENDING MACHINE BY ANY PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE IS PROHIBITED BY LAW."

(b) Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, however, for a first offense, the sentence shall be a fine not to exceed $300.00.

(c) It shall be a violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-12-171 for any person knowingly to allow a minor to operate a vending machine which dispenses cigarettes or tobacco related objects.

(d) The offenses provided for by paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Code Section 16-12-171 shall apply to the operation by a minor of a vending machine which dispenses cigarettes or tobacco related objects.

(e)(1) The sale or offering for sale of cigarettes or tobacco related objects from vending machines shall not be permitted except:

(A) In locations which are not readily accessible to minors, including but not limited to:

(i) Factories, businesses, offices, and other places which are not open to the general public;

(ii) Places open to the general public which do not admit minors; and

(iii) Places where alcoholic beverages are offered for sale;

(B) In areas which are in the immediate vicinity, plain view, and under the continuous supervision of the proprietor of the establishment or an employee who will observe the purchase of cigarettes, tobacco products, and tobacco related objects from the vending machine; and

(C) In rest areas adjacent to roads and highways of the state.

(2) Violation of this subsection shall be punished as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section for violation of subsection (a) of this Code section.