A slew of new laws and regulations affecting small business owners went into effect in Maryland on Oct. 1
A slew of new laws and regulations affecting small business owners went into effect in Maryland on Oct. 1:
- It is now illegal to sell products containing nicotine, including cigarettes, cigars, and vaporizers to anyone under the age of 21, with the exception of members of the armed forces over the age of 18. This will close the market for over 6,000 licensed tobacco retailers to more than 250,000 Maryland residents between the ages of 18 and 21.
- Online vendors are now required to collect sales taxes on Maryland buyers.
- Executive agencies can no longer deny occupational licenses or certificates based solely on an applicant’s criminal history on the condition that it has been at least seven years since the conviction and the applicant has not committed a crime other than minor traffic violations. Convictions based on violent crimes are exempt from this requirement.
- Three students enrolled in barbering courses can work under the supervision of a master barber. Previously, the limit was only one.
- Maryland legislators raised the minimum age to use tanning salons to 18 years old. Previously, minors were allowed to use commercial tanning facilities with the expressed approval of their parents.
- Penalties for possessing an open container and drinking alcohol in public are now civil, rather than criminal offenses.
