Baltimore County Council Chairman Mike Ertel and Councilman David Marks announced their introduction of legislation that will impose new rules on smoke shops throughout Baltimore County to better regulate their proximity to one another, as well as mitigate the distracting lighting often utilized by smoke shops.
The legislation, Bill 68-26, was introduced at the Council’s Legislative Session on July 6, 2026.
According to the two councilmen, the purpose of the bill is to promote the health, safety, and well-being of Baltimore County residents.
It has been well established through years of study that tobacco products like those sold by smoke shops are highly addictive and can have severe impacts on individuals’ health.
This proposed legislation follows in the footsteps of similar legislation enacted recently by Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County.
The proposed legislation would:
* Prohibit smoke shops from operating within 1,000 feet of schools, certain treatment facilities, recreation centers, parks and other smoke shops. Smoke shops will have one year after the enactment of Bill 68-26 to comply with the new distance rules.
* Prohibit certain types of lighting displays in the windows or around a smoke shop.
“It is imperative that we take steps to place guardrails and common-sense regulations on these businesses, just as we did with hookah and vapor lounges several years ago,” said Council Chairman Mike Ertel.
Councilman David Marks also expressed his support for the bill, stating “residents want
restaurants and stores that offer a variety of services, not three smoke shops on the same block.”
The full language of Bill 68-26 can be found at
https://countycouncilweb.s3.amazonaws.com/Bills%202026/b06826.pdf
.
Bill 68-26 will be discussed at the County Council Work Sessions scheduled for July 28 at 4 p.m. and Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. Final Reading and Vote is scheduled for the
Legislative Session on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to contact the County Council at 410-887-3196 or via email at countycouncil@baltimorecountymd.gov with questions or concerns.
All information regarding Baltimore County pending legislation may be found at
https://countycouncil.baltimorecountymd.gov/pending-legislation/