Baltimore retailers selling tobacco or vapor products need a city tobacco license under Article 15 plus a state cigarette license. Maryland law (MD §16-7-101) sets the minimum purchase age at 21.
Baltimore City Code Article 15 requires every retailer of tobacco, electronic smoking devices, or vapor liquid to hold an annual city tobacco retailer license issued by the Department of Finance, in addition to Maryland's state cigarette retailer license under Tax-General Article 12. Maryland §16-7-101 sets the minimum purchase age at 21 and requires ID verification for buyers under 30. Baltimore has imposed flavor restrictions in earlier bills and limits proximity to schools through zoning. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and seizure of unlawful product by the Comptroller's enforcement officers.
Selling to a buyer under 21, selling without a license, or stocking unauthorized flavored products carries civil fines up to $1,000 per offense, license suspension, and product seizure.
See how Baltimore's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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