Montgomery County, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Montgomery County Code § 32-19D
- Weeknight/Sunday hours
- 9 a.m.-2 a.m. following day
- Weekend hours
- Fri/Sat 9 a.m.-3 a.m.
- Penalty
- Class A violation, per-day offense
- Effective
- 2024 L.M.C., ch. 7 (2024-2025)
Summary
Vape shops in Montgomery County must close overnight under Code § 32-19D, which caps operating hours to curb late-night crime near shops like hookah lounges and tobacco shops.
A hookah lounge, tobacco shop, or vape shop may operate: (1) on Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day; (2) on Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. the following day; and (3) on Sunday... A hookah lounge, tobacco shop, or vape shop that operates outside of the hours permitted under subsection (c) is in violation of this Section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 32-19D, a vape shop may operate only 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday (3 a.m. Sunday-into-Monday if the following day is a federal holiday). The Council adopted the cap in 2024, citing armed robberies, carjackings, and a 16% rise in 2 a.m.-7 a.m. police calls tied to late-night Silver Spring establishments. "Vape shop" carries the § 24-9 definition: a store that primarily sells electronic cigarettes. This is a standalone hours-of-operation rule, not a business license or zoning permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside the permitted hours is a Class A violation, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; the County Attorney may also sue in court to enjoin continued violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Montgomery County vape shop stay open 24 hours?
Does this hours limit apply inside Rockville or Gaithersburg?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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