Be aware of penalties for underage smoking.  The SFMD website provides the following information:

 

            Maryland 's Tobacco Sales to Youth Law

            What penalties can merchants receive for selling tobacco to a young person?

 

                        This law makes it illegal for merchants to distribute or sell tobacco to

                        people under the age of 18.  Owners, managers, and/or clerks may be cited

                        by any uniformed police officer for tobacco sales to youth.

                        Fines range from up to $300 for the first offense to up to $3,000 for a third

                        or subsequent offense during a 2 year period.  In addition, minors working

                        for tobacco retailers are allowed to handle tobacco only in the course of

                        their job.

                        If a child purchases tobacco through a vending machine, the merchant in

                        charge of that vending machine can be fined as indicated above.   

           

                        If you see a merchant selling tobacco to a young person, call your local or

                        State police to inform them.  Also, please tell the owner/manager what

                        you observed

 

            What happens to young people who possess or buy tobacco products?

 

                        This section makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or

                        use tobacco products.  It also makes it illegal to use a fake ID to obtain

                        tobacco.  If police cite a young person under this section, he/she may be:

 

·  Referred to a smoking cessation clinic, or other suitable presentation of the hazards associated with tobacco use; OR

·  Assigned to a supervised work program for not more than 20 hours for the first violation and not more than 40 hours for a second or subsequent violation.

·  If the child does not show-up at the clinic or supervised work program, the minor may be asked to appear in court. The judge could then:       

·  Counsel the child or the parent or both, or order the child to participate in a smoking cessation clinic, or other suitable presentation of the hazards associated with tobacco use; OR

·  Impose a civil fine of not more than $25 for the first violation and a civil fine of not more than $100 for a second or subsequent violation; or

·  Order the child to participate in a supervised work program for not more than 20 hours for the first violation and not more than 40 hours for a second or subsequent violation.