From: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygene
HMH providing free retailer-compliance education as part of broader campaign
Baltimore, MD (June 29, 2015) – Though it is illegal to sell tobacco products to youths under 18, in the past two years, Maryland has seen a troubling increase in the number of retailers selling tobacco products to minors – in violation of federal, state and local laws. Underage access to tobacco products is unacceptable in Maryland.
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“The sale of cigarettes to minors is a serious issue and the Comptroller’s Office is committed to supporting local health departments, law enforcement and DHMH in their efforts to combat this problem,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot. “My field enforcement agents are working aggressively to keep cigarettes out of the hands of children by cracking down on cigarette smuggling, which costs our state significant revenue and makes cigarettes more accessible to young people.” [Emphasis added]
