Maryland Statewide Rule
Maryland Tobacco 21 Age Restriction Statewide
Key Facts
- Age Restriction
- Minimum sales age is 21 statewide
- Requirement
- Active-duty military exception applies
- Age Restriction
- ID required for buyers appearing under 30
- Licensing
- Repeat violations risk license loss
- Requirement
- ATCC and health departments enforce
Summary
Maryland prohibits the sale of any tobacco or electronic smoking device to anyone under age 21 under Health-General Article 16.7A.
A person not described in subsection (b)(2) of this section may not: (1) purchase for or sell a tobacco product to an individual under the age of 21 years; or (2) distribute tobacco paraphernalia to an individual under the age of 21 years.
Full Breakdown
Maryland adopted Tobacco 21 in 2019, raising the minimum legal sales age to 21 for all tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and vape liquids. The law contains a narrow military exception for active-duty members 18 or older with valid military identification. Retailers must check identification for any purchaser appearing under 30, post compliance signage, and may face license suspension or revocation for repeated violations. Local health departments and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission share enforcement authority. The law preempts inconsistent local age rules but allows stricter local enforcement programs.
Violations & Penalties
Civil fines start at $300 for the first offense and rise to $3,000 for repeated violations within a 24-month period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maryland's minimum tobacco purchase age?
Are penalties on the buyer or the seller?
Sources
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