MarylandSB 02792026 Regular SessionSenate

Baltimore City - Cigarettes, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Smoking Devices - Enforcement and Licensure

Sponsored By: Antonio Hayes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Business RegulationApplicants and ApplicationsBaltimore CityCannabis -see also- CannDist; CannProd; Smok&VapCigarettes -see also- Smoking&Vaping; Tobacco&NicotineCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsComptrollerCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Evaluations and ReviewsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesLaws and Ordinances -see also- Pub Local Laws; Uniform LawsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcRetail SalesRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Sales and Use TaxSmoking and Vaping -see also- Cannabis; Cigs;Tobacco&NicStandards and Best PracticesTobacco and Nicotine -see also- Cigarettes; Smk&Vap

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Baltimore preapproval, fees, and one‑year pause

Beginning October 1, 2026, you must get city licensure authorization before you apply for a county tobacco or e‑cigarette license in Baltimore City. The city may charge a fee and must run an approval or denial process based on legal compliance. The city sends 50% of authorization fees to the Comptroller to distribute to the Family League of Baltimore City. Between October 1, 2026 and October 1, 2027, the city does not issue authorizations for new applicants.

Stronger city inspections for Baltimore retailers

Beginning October 1, 2026, Baltimore City health enforcement officers can enter and inspect licensed tobacco and e‑cigarette retailers at reasonable times. They enforce state tobacco and e‑cigarette laws in the city. If they find a violation, the Executive Director can reprimand, suspend, or revoke the license after the required hearing process.

No single‑cigarette sales in Baltimore

Beginning October 1, 2026, licensed retailers in Baltimore City may not sell unpackaged cigarettes. Unpackaged means not in a sealed pack of 20 or more. City officers may inspect and report violations to the State’s Attorney. If an official citation is issued for the incident, the law bars a later prosecution for the same incident.

No extra license to sell e‑cigarettes

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you already hold a Title 16 or 16.5 license, or are an affiliate, you may sell, make, or distribute e‑cigarettes without a separate Title 16.7 license. This applies only within the scope of your current license.

County tobacco license now $300

Beginning October 1, 2026, you pay $300 for each county tobacco or e‑cigarette license application per location. From each fee, $25 goes to the Executive Director and $275 goes to the Maryland Department of Health, or to Montgomery County if the store is there. Those funds support enforcement of the under‑21 sales ban and cannot replace existing funding.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Antonio Hayes
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 35

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 95 • No: 35 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 4/10/2026