# § 12-107 Exceptions – Retail tobacco establishments; Hookah lounges.

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 12-107 Exceptions – Retail tobacco establishments; Hookah lounges.

Balt., Md., Code § 12-107 (2026)

(a) This subtitle does not apply to a retail tobacco establishment or a hookah lounge that qualifies under this section.

(b) A retail tobacco establishment qualifies under this section only if it:

  (1) derives at least 75% of its revenues, measured by average daily receipts, from the sale of non-cigarette tobacco products;

  (2) has a ventilation system that prevents smoke from infiltrating into any area where smoking is prohibited under this subtitle; and

  (3) prohibits the entry of minors at all times.

(c)

  (1) In this subsection, “hookah lounge” means an establishment that is primarily devoted to the on-premises use of 1 or more hookahs (also known as a hookah pipe, water pipe, shisha, or narghile) for smoking tobacco or other substances.

  (2) A hookah lounge qualifies under this section only if it:

    (i) meets the criteria listed in State law;

    (ii) derives at least 75% of its revenues, measured by average daily receipts, from the sale or use of non-cigarette smoking products and accessories;

    (iii) has a ventilation system that prevents smoke from infiltrating into any area where smoking is prohibited under this subtitle; and

    (iv) prohibits the presence of minors at all times.

*History: Ord. 07-392*

*History: Ord. 18-124*