​​​​​​​​​ ​

Maryland Responsible Tobacco Retailer Program

21 or None banner image.PNG

The Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control (CTPC) at the Maryland Department of Health oversees the state tobacco and cannabis public health programs. Our mission is to provide tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis education, prevention, and community-based initiatives to ensure health equity for all so all Maryland communities are strong, thriving, healthy, free, and protected from the harmful effects of commercial tobacco and cannabis use. Maryland’s T21 Law prohibits tobacco sales to anyone under the age of 21. One of CTPC’s goals is preventing minors from ever using tobacco products which is accomplished through education and preventing underage tobacco sales to minors. 


Retailers are a valuable part of our communities and CTPC offers support to them through the “No Tobacco Sales to Minors” initiative to educate tobacco retailers on tobacco-related sales regulations, announcing relevant law updates, providing  downloadable signage, ID checking resources and linkage to retail staff training materials to prevent underage youth access to tobacco products as well as avoid penalties and fines.  Additionally, CTPC has created the public-facing “21 or None” media campaign which is disseminated via Responsible Retailer toolkit mailings and a variety of digital outlets. For more information, email [email protected]. 

How to comply with the Maryland law:
  1. Post an​ age of sale sign (compliant with t​he Maryland law) 
  2. Use a driver’s license or government-issued ID to verify customer age ​​
  3. Enusre all staff selling tobacco products are properly trained on tobacco sales procedures and policies​:​ 
    • ​​Ask for valid photo ID from everyone under 30. 
    • Check to make sure everyone is at least 21. 
    • Refuse to sell tobacco and e-cigarette products to everyone under 21. 


 Please note:  Our FREE downloadable Tobacco 21 Responsible Retailer Training resources ––are undergoing updates. 

Please check back.

Notice

The ​Maryland Comptroller announced on February 10, 2020, all wholesalers and retailers must cease all sales and marketing of cartridge-based and disposable electronic smoking devices containing flavors other than tobacco or menthol.​ ​

The Comptroller’s Field Enforcement Division is prioritizing its enforcement actions against those unauthorized products most widely used by children – specifically, cartridge-based and disposable ESDs with flavors other than tobacco or menthol. For more information, please review the Maryland Comptroller Press Release.

Thank You

Thank you for being a responsible tobacco retailer​. 

Retailers are an important part of our communities, providing goods and services to residents of all ages. Licensed tobacco retailers are uniquely positioned to act responsibly and help reduce and eliminate underage access to tobacco products in Maryland. 

 Maryland is serious about keeping our communities tobacco-free and is increasing educational efforts and retailer compliance checks across the state.​ We appreciate your efforts to help reduce underage access to tobacco products.​​

This website provides materials and resources needed to train and educate retail owners and staff in order to remain compliant with all youth tobacco sales laws. We encourage everyone to utilize and share the resources provided.