Maryland Statewide Rule
Maryland Vape Retail Licensing and Sales Rules
Key Facts
- Licensing Authority
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission
- 2024 Law
- Tobacco Retail Modernization Act
- Product Placement
- Must be behind the counter
- Minimum Age
- 21 for all vape sales
- ID Check
- Buyers appearing under 30
Summary
Maryland retailers selling electronic smoking devices need a tobacco/ESD retail license overseen by the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission. The 2024 Tobacco Retail Modernization Act requires such products behind the counter and bars sales to anyone under 21.
(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (3) and except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not: (i) Sell, distribute, or offer for sale to an individual under the age of 21 years an electronic smoking device, as defined in § 16.7-101(c) of the Business Regulation Article; (ii) Display electronic smoking devices, as defined in § 16.7-101(c) of the Business Regulation Article, for sale unless the electronic smoking devices are located behind a counter in an area accessible only to the person and employees of the person; or
Full Breakdown
Retailers selling electronic smoking devices and vape liquids must hold an electronic smoking device or other tobacco products retail license. Since July 2023 the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) oversees tobacco licensing; applications are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the annual retail license fee is $300. Effective October 1, 2024, the Tobacco Retail Modernization Act (SB 1056) requires cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices to be kept behind a counter accessible only to store employees. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited, and clerks must verify ID for buyers appearing under 30.
Violations & Penalties
Selling to a minor or without a valid license carries civil penalties starting at $300 and rising to $3,000 for repeat violations, plus possible license suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maryland vape shops need a special license?
Can vape products be sold from self-service displays?
Sources
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