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Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission

AB-50 – Revised Trade Practice Regulations

Trade Practice Regulation Updates |

What businesses need to know about updated definitions and expanded regulatory coverage

Maryland made minor updates to its trade practice regulations, including expanding the definition of a wholesaler to include nonresident winery permit holders and applying trade practice rules to these businesses, along with administrative updates to agency naming.

What you need to know

  • Nonresident winery permit holders are now treated as wholesalers under trade practice rules
  • Trade practice regulations now apply to these businesses
  • Minor administrative updates were made to agency naming
  • Changes took effect October 9, 2006

Who This Applies To

This guidance applies to:

  • Wholesalers
  • Manufacturers
  • Nonresident dealers
  • Nonresident wineries
  • Solicitor permit holders

What Changed

Maryland updated trade practice regulations to:

  • Include nonresident winery permit holders in the definition of a wholesaler

This change ensures:

  • These businesses are subject to the same trade practice rules as wholesalers

Impact on Nonresident Wineries

Nonresident winery permit holders:

  • May sell wine directly to Maryland retailers
  • Must follow all trade practice regulations

This includes rules related to:

  • Promotions
  • Pricing
  • Interactions with retailers

Administrative Update

The regulations were also updated to:

  • Reflect the current name of the agency
    • Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau (previously Division)

Effective Date

  • Changes took effect: October 9, 2006

What This Means for Businesses

Businesses should:

  • Determine if they are now subject to trade practice rules
  • Review compliance obligations under updated definitions
  • Ensure all activities align with trade practice regulations

Important Notes

  • This is a targeted update but expands regulatory coverage
  • Nonresident wineries must now follow the same rules as wholesalers
  • Other provisions of the regulations remain unchanged

Need Help?

For questions about trade practice regulations, contact the ATCC: 410-260-7314 ext. 2 or [email protected]

Related files

AB-50 – Revised Trade Practice Regulations