Smoking or smoke means the act of lighting, smoking, or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette, or pipe, of any kind. Vaping or vape means the act of using an electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarette includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen. Public place means an enclosed area in which members of the public are normally invited or permitted. Smoking is permitted in most outdoor areas; smoking in public places, in restaurants (either indoor or outdoor dining food establishment areas) is not allowed. Note: Bill 35-38 prohibits smoking or vaping in any outdoor dining area.

To make a complaint: A complaint form must be submitted to start the process for any of the stated violations. Click on second link below for access to form. The complaint form may also be obtained at the Licensure and Regulatory Office, located at: 2425 Reedie Drive, 9th Floor, Wheaton, MD. 20902, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Completed forms should include the location of the violation and signature of individual completing the form. Mail to address above; fax to 240.777.3088; or email to: [email protected].

The law does NOT apply to smoking in a private residence, whether rental or owned.

Online users who have additional questions and would like to be contacted by a departmental staff member may submit a request by clicking on the Create Service Request button below. Please complete all the fields in the Contact Information section then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click button for create a service request.