Who we are and what we do
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) regulates alcohol and tobacco businesses in Maryland and enforces related laws. We support public safety, fair business practices, and a well-regulated marketplace.
Our role in Maryland
We support a safe and fair marketplace by regulating alcohol and tobacco industries and enforcing related laws.
We serve:
- Business owners and license holders
- Applicants and new businesses
- Local governments and communities
- The public
What we do
The ATCC regulates alcohol and tobacco businesses in Maryland and enforces laws related to alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.
We:
- Issue licenses and permits for alcohol and tobacco businesses
- Enforce state laws and investigate violations
- Conduct inspections and compliance checks
- Provide guidance to help businesses follow the law
Who to contact
Different Maryland agencies handle different parts of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis regulation. Use the guide below to understand where to go.
The ATCC
Go here if you need to:
Apply for an alcohol or tobacco license
Respond to a violation or enforcement action
Get help with compliance or inspections
What we do:
License alcohol and tobacco businesses
Enforce alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis laws
Maryland Cannabis Administration
Go here if you need to:
Apply for a cannabis license
Manage a cannabis business
Learn about cannabis regulations
What they do:
Issue cannabis licenses
Regulate cannabis operations
Oversee cannabis compliance and training
Comptroller of Maryland
Go here if you need to:
File or pay taxes related to alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis
Get help with tax reporting
What they do:
Collect taxes on regulated industries
Oversee tax compliance and reporting
Leadership and Staff
The ATCC is led by the Executive Director and supported by teams across enforcement, licensing, legal, and administrative services.
-
Jeffrey Herndon
Director, Field Enforcement Division
Main (410) 260-6621 -
Thomas R. Akras, Esq
Chief of Strategy & Director, Legal and Legislative Division
Main (410) 260-7434 -
Jeffrey A. Kelly
Executive Director, Office of Executive Director
Main (410) 260-7104
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners provides oversight and guidance for ATCC operations.