By resource sharing and serving as an information clearinghouse, the Commission educates the public on matters relating to recent increases in alcohol content for popular beer and other beverages; the proper limits of drinking for adults, and adverse consequences of surpassing those limits; and parental or adult responsibility for serving alcohol to underage youth. The Commission also provides similar information relating to smoking, vaping, tobacco, other tobacco products, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. In addition, subject to federal approval, the Commission is to ensure that all alcoholic beverages sold in the State with an alcohol content exceeding 4.5% by volume bear a large and conspicuous label indicating the percentage of alcohol content. Moreover, the Commission is to study the operation and administration of similar laws in other states and countries.
Meeting monthly, the Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Secretary of Health and the Secretary of State Police may serve ex officio as nonvoting members. The Executive Director is chosen by the Governor with Senate advice and consent.
Staffed by both sworn police officers and civilian personnel, the Field Enforcement Division is responsible for the enforcement of Maryland’s laws related to the sale, manufacture, transportation, storage, and importation of alcohol, tobacco, and electronic smoking device products within the State. It also is responsible for regulatory duties associated with the alcohol, tobacco and electronic smoking device industries, to include the issuance of licenses and permits, and ensure that appropriate trade practices are followed.
The Division oversees two Bureaus: Field Operations, and Regulatory and Administrative Services.
REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BUREAU
The Bureau issues licenses and permits related to the manufacture, sale (excluding retail), transportation, storage, and importation of alcohol, tobacco, and electronic smoking device products. It also advises the alcohol and tobacco industry on trade practice requirements.
At first, the Regulatory and Administrative Services Bureau began under the Field Enforcement Division within the Office of Maryland Comptroller. It reformed under the Field Enforcement Division within the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission in January 2021.
All legal and legislative duties associated with the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission are overseen by the Division. Analysis of the State’s more complex alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations; the Federal code, regulations and other statutes; and local ordinances is provided by the Division.
The Division advises and guides the Executive Director, the Field Enforcement Division Director, other agency personnel, State agencies, the general public, licensees, industry representatives, elected officials, and local licensing boards to assure proper administration and compliance with the State’s alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations. In addition, the Division manages the administrative hearing dockets concerning administrative cases brought against licensees for violations of the alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws and regulations of the State.
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