Inspections

Tobacco Product Inspection – (Routine)

I. POLICY

Tobacco inspections are generally conducted in the same manner as RLD inspections and are conducted in cooperation with the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC). A tobacco inspection shall be conducted in conjunction with and concurrently on all RLD inspections if the licensee sells both alcoholic beverages and cigarettes/tobacco products. The following laws govern the basic components of all routine tobacco inspections:

  • Tax –General Title 12-305 prohibits the sale or possession of unstamped cigarettes (which includes cigarettes with other than Maryland Tax stamps affixed).
  • Tax-General Title 16-220 provides for the sealing of cigarette vending machines not labeled as required by Tax- General 16-209 of this Article or if tax stamps are not visible as also required in Tax General 16-209.
  • Tax-General 16-209 also states that cigarette vending machines shall display a conspicuous label that states the age requirement for the purchase of cigarettes by consumers.
  • Tax –General Title 13-1015 (b) prohibits the sale of other tobacco products for which the tobacco tax has not been paid.
  • Business Regulation Title 16-504 (c) (2) prohibits the sale, and possession of cigarettes and other tobacco products not included in the Master Settlement Agreement.

II. TOBACCO INSPECTION FORM

Employees shall complete a Tobacco Inspection form on all inspections conducted. The employee shall submit all completed tobacco inspections to their supervisor for review. Supervisors are to check the report for completeness, make note of possible violations, and determine whether any further action is needed. Routine Tobacco Inspection forms are retained and documented in the same manner as RLD forms.

III. CANCELLATION

None.