<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="Subtitle 3 – Distribution of Samples and Coupons">
  <section prefix="§" num="12-301" heading="Definitions.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Distribute.">“Distribute” means to:<para num="(1)">give, sell, deliver, or offer to give, sell, or deliver; or</para>
      <para num="(2)">cause or hire any person to give, sell, deliver, or offer to give, sell, or deliver.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Less than basic cost.">“Less than basic cost” means:<para num="(1)">free of charge;</para>
      <para num="(2)">for a nominal or discount price; or</para>
      <para num="(3)">for any other price that is less than the distributor’s cost plus any applicable tobacco taxes.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(d)" heading="Public place.">
      <para num="(1)" heading="In general.">“Public place” means any area, whether open or enclosed, to which members of the public are normally invited or permitted.</para>
      <para num="(2)" heading="Inclusions.">“Public place” includes parks, streets, sidewalks, sports fields, gymnasiums, shopping centers, and any property owned, occupied, or operated by the City.</para>
      <para num="(3)" heading="Exclusions.">“Public place” does not include any retail store.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 11, §284(a</annotation>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">parts)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 99-548</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="12-302" heading="Exemptions.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Single cigarette.">This subtitle does not apply to the distribution of a single cigarette.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Downtown area.">This subtitle does not apply anywhere in the area within and bounded by:<para num="(1)">Centre Street on the north;</para>
      <para num="(2)">the Fallsway on the east;</para>
      <para num="(3)">Pratt Street on the south;</para>
      <para num="(4)">Paca Street on the west; and</para>
      <para num="(5)">Druid Hill Avenue on the northwest.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Published coupons.">This subtitle does not apply to a coupon that is contained in a newspaper, magazine, or other type of publication in which the coupon is incidental to the primary purpose of the publication.</para>
    <para num="(d)" heading="Private functions.">This subtitle does not apply to the distribution of tobacco products or coupons at an event that is held in an enclosed area to which entry is not available to the general public but only to those whom the sponsor of the event invites.</para>
    <para num="(e)" heading="Tobacco company employees.">This subtitle does not apply to the distribution of tobacco products or coupons by a retailer, manufacturer, or distributor of tobacco products to its adult employees.</para>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 11, §284(a)(2), (5), (8), (c)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 99-548</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="12-303" heading="Public distribution prohibited.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Tobacco products.">Except as specified in &lt;cite data-path="|health|§12-302"&gt;§ 12-302 {“Exemptions”} of this subtitle&lt;/cite&gt;, no person in any public place or at any public event may distribute to a member of the public any tobacco product at less than basic cost.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Coupons.">Except as specified in &lt;cite data-path="|health|§12-302"&gt;§ 12-302 {“Exemptions”} of this subtitle&lt;/cite&gt;, no person in any public place or at any public event may distribute to a member of the public any coupon that is redeemable for a tobacco product to members of the public in public places, in public areas or at public events.</para>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 11, §284(b)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 99-548</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§§" num="12-304 to 12-305" reserved="true" />
  <section prefix="§" num="12-306" heading="Penalties.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each offense.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Each distribution a separate offense.">Each person to whom a tobacco product is distributed constitutes a separate offense.</para>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 11, §284(d)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 99-548</annotation>
  </section>
</baltimore-city-law>
