Committee advances ban on tobacco sales at standalone convenience stores

The committee advanced CB83, which prohibits convenience stores that are not fuel-service gas stations from selling tobacco and tobacco-related products, while offering an amortization period for existing impacted businesses.

Sponsor said the legislation targets an oversaturation of 24-hour tobacco 'smoke shops' in certain communities and described enforcement challenges, including some stores sourcing product from out-of-state to avoid taxes. Industry representatives asked the council to refine definitions to distinguish legitimate convenience stores and gas-station retailers from bad actors and urged coordination with state enforcement mechanisms. Mike O'Halloran, representing the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association, and Sarah Price of the Maryland Retailers Alliance urged clearer definitions and enforcement to avoid penalizing diversified local businesses that sell food and essential goods.

The committee moved the bill favorable by a 5-0 vote; staff and the sponsor said they would work with stakeholders on definitions and enforcement approaches.