Partners

Key state partners

Comptroller of Maryland

What they do:
 The Comptroller oversees tax collection and financial compliance for alcohol and tobacco businesses.

You may need them for:

• Filing excise taxes
• Paying alcohol or tobacco taxes
• Tax compliance questions

How ATCC works with them:
 ATCC coordinates with the Comptroller to verify tax compliance and support inspections and enforcement.

Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)

What they do:
 The Maryland Cannabis Administration licenses and regulates cannabis businesses in Maryland.

You may need them for:

• Applying for a cannabis license
• Managing cannabis business operations
• Understanding cannabis regulations

How ATCC works with them:
 ATCC enforces cannabis laws, while MCA handles licensing. The agencies coordinate on enforcement and compliance.

Local partners

Local liquor boards

What they do:
Local liquor boards issue alcohol licenses and oversee alcohol sales within their jurisdictions.

You may need them for:

• Applying for or renewing an alcohol license
• Local approvals and zoning requirements
• County-specific rules

How ATCC works with them:
 ATCC works with local boards to support enforcement and ensure consistent application of state laws.

Health departments

What they do:
 Local health departments play a key role in enforcing tobacco laws and protecting public health, especially related to youth access and retail compliance.

They often conduct compliance checks and inspections to ensure businesses follow tobacco sales laws.

You may need them for:

• Tobacco compliance checks (including underage sales enforcement)
• Inspections related to tobacco sales
• Public health requirements tied to tobacco products
• Guidance on youth access and prevention laws

How ATCC works with them:
 ATCC works closely with local health departments to enforce tobacco laws, including coordinating inspections, compliance checks, and investigations.

Health departments often lead or support efforts to prevent illegal tobacco sales to minors, while ATCC supports broader enforcement and regulatory oversight.

Federal and state agencies

Federal and state regulatory partners

Examples include:

• Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
• Maryland Office of the Attorney General
• Maryland General Assembly

What they do:
 These agencies provide legal oversight, regulatory frameworks, and enforcement authority at the state and federal level.

When you may interact with them:

• Federal alcohol regulations (TTB)
• Legal or enforcement matters
• Legislative or policy questions

Industry and trade organizations

What they do:
 Industry and trade organizations at the state and national level represent businesses and provide education, advocacy, and resources.

You may use them for:

• Industry best practices
• Training and compliance education
• Networking and business support

Examples include:

• Maryland Distillers Guild — Supports distilleries through advocacy, education, and industry collaboration
• Maryland Association of Wineries — Provides resources and promotes Maryland wineries
• Brewers Association of Maryland — Supports craft brewers with education, events, and advocacy
• Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association (MSLBA) — Represents retailers and advocates on alcohol policy
• National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) — Shares best practices for alcohol regulation and control systems
• Wine Institute — Provides policy guidance and industry research for wineries
• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) — National advocacy and policy organization for spirits producers
• National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) — Represents beer distributors and provides industry guidance