CB-083-2026 tobacco

Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association asked the council to postpone, warning of legal vulnerability and harm to legitimate convenience stores.

Maryland Retailers Alliance said SNAP-accepting stores in every district would be hurt and asked to hold the bill for the new legislative year.

7-Eleven franchisee association president said the bill unfairly treats non-gas stores and threatens jobs and livelihoods.

Small business owner said tobacco is 20-30% of revenue and the bill could force closures; asked for regulation instead of prohibition.

Northeast Wholesalers Association director warned of supply chain and job impacts and asked for a more targeted approach.

Attorney argued the bill is unconstitutional and preempted by state law, citing two Maryland appellate decisions striking down county tobacco regulations.

Representing Barnabas Accessories in Temple Hills, said the bill would close a community-serving store and shift revenue to DC and Virginia.

Accountant representing small business clients warned of closures, food deserts, and lost county revenue; urged better regulation instead.

20-year business owner and chamber chairman described his 24/7 store as a community hub and opposed the ban.

Sympathized with property owners but supported the bill's intent, citing family losses to tobacco.

Opposed the bill, saying you cannot regulate vice and it will shift sales to neighboring jurisdictions and worsen food deserts.

Representing Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association, asked the council to distinguish legitimate convenience stores from smoke shops and cited Maryland Senate Bill 820 enforcement.

For the Maryland Retailers Association, questioned why existing enforcement hasn't worked and worried about punishing legitimate businesses for bad actors.