Tobacco/Nicotine Retailer Education and Enforcement

The Howard County Health Department partners with veteran law enforcement officers to educate tobacco retailers about the law and conduct compliance checks. Underage purchasers, working with the enforcement officers, visit retailers and attempt to purchase. If retailers ask for ID and refuse the sale, they pass. If retailers make the sale to the underage customer, they fail and receive a Civil Citation – Howard County Code 12.1301a. Licensed tobacco retailers with multiple violations will be referred to the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC).

This initiative is funded by the Cigarette Restitution Fund.

It is against federal, state, and Howard County law to sell ANY tobacco product, including electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, pod-based devices such as JUUL and their e-liquids, and component parts and accessories) to anyone under the age of 21.

• To comply with tobacco laws, retailers and clerks must:
  • Post an age of sale sign (compliant with the new T21 law).
  • Use a driver’s license or government-issued ID to verify customer age.
  • Train all staff on tobacco sales procedures and policies to:
    • Ask for valid photo ID from everyone under 30. (An employer or school ID is not permitted).
    • Check to make sure everyone is at least 21.
    • Refuse to sell tobacco and e-cigarette products to everyone under 21.
• The licensee/owner, not the clerk, may be subject to a civil penalty in violation of Howard County Code of Ordinance 12.1301(a) up to:
  • $500 for a first violation.
  • $1,000 for a second violation or each subsequent violation occurring within twelve (12) months of the first violation.
  • A retailer's license to sell tobacco will be suspended or revoked if two (2) or more violations occur within twelve (12) months of each other.

Maryland Tobacco 21 Law and Penalties

Howard County Tobacco 21 Law and Penalties

• Placement of Tobacco Products
• Distribution of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under Age of 21
• Distribution of Tobacco Products

As of July 1, 2025, all THC products intended for human consumption or inhalation must meet the same packaging, labeling, and manufacturing standards required of products sold by licensed dispensaries regulated by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). ​

• Requirements are outlined in Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article §36–203.1 and COMAR 14.17.18

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​On September 9, 2025, the Appellate Court of Maryland issued its decision to overturn the preliminary injunction issued by the Washington County Circuit Court in October of 2023.​

More information about the decision: Maryland Appellate Court Lifts Injunction on THC Enforcement | ATCC

What does this mean? ​

• ATCC now has the authority to enforce the State’s cannabis laws against retail businesses (not dispensaries) that are selling intoxicating THC products, even the businesses that were selling these products prior to July 1, 2023.​
• When ATCC observes a person or business engaging in the distribution or sale of an intoxicating THC product without a license by the MCA, the ATCC may seize on sight and charge them with a criminal offense. ​

Additional information can be found on the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission website.

​Maryland Responsible Tobacco Retailer Program

FDA Approved Tobacco Product

To obtain a tobacco license in Howard County, Maryland, you'll need to apply for both a state license through the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) and a local license through the Howard County Circuit Court. You'll need to register with the Central Registration Division of the Comptroller's Office first, then apply at the Clerk of the Court's License Department.

• Register with the Central Registration Division:
  • This is a prerequisite for obtaining any business license in Maryland. You can find the application through the Maryland Business Express portal.
• Apply for the State License:
  • The state license is issued by the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC).
  • You'll need to submit a completed application, which can be found on the ATCC website, along with the required fees.
  • This includes a separate license for each location and for vending machines, if applicable.
• Apply for the County License:
  • In Howard County, you'll apply for the local license at the Office of the Clerk, License Department, Circuit Court.
  • You'll need to provide the entity or sole proprietorship SDAT account number, name, trade name (if applicable), Federal Tax ID or Social Security number, Sales and Use tax account number, location and mailing addresses, phone number, and worker's compensation number (if applicable).
  • For a trader's license, you'll also need to provide the amount of inventory in dollars.
• Tobacco licenses expire on April 30th and must be renewed annually.

Tobacco 21 Law Violation 

Please complete the Tobacco 21 Law Violation Form if you believe that a tobacco retailer in Howard County has violated the Tobacco 21 law by: 

• Selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 and/or 

• Failing to keep tobacco products secured behind the counter in an area accessible only to the licensed retailer and employees. 

THC Violation or Non-Compliance

• Contact the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission to report a THC violation or non-compliance within a tobacco retailer at, https://atcc.maryland.gov/tips.