# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 16. Cigarettes

### Subtitle 3. License to Sell Cigarettes at Retail in Counties

#### Section 16-302.1

(a) This section applies only in Baltimore City.

(b) Before a person may apply for an initial or renewal county license under this title, the person shall request a licensure authorization from the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.

(c) The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City may:

  (1) establish and charge a fee for a licensure authorization request made under this section or Sec. 16.5-201.1 or Sec. 16.7-202.1 of this article; and

  (2) establish a process to accept and approve or deny licensure authorization requests made under this section and Sec.Sec. 16.5-201.1 and 16.7-202.1 of this article.

(d) If a process is established under subsection (c) of this section, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall include as part of the process:

  (1) a requirement that an applicant is:

    (i) in compliance with all relevant State and local laws; and

    (ii) otherwise entitled to be licensed; and

  (2) a mechanism for including the basis for any denial of a licensure authorization request that is referred to the Executive Director.

(e) If an applicant is denied a licensure authorization requested under this section, the Executive Director may review the basis for the denial.

---

Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)