A vape shop is defined as any store that primarily sells electronic cigarettes. An electronic cigarette is a product containing or delivering nicotine, or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person to simulate smoking through inhalation of vapor or aerosol from the product. Montgomery County defines vaping or vape as the act of using an electronic cigarette. A tobacco shop is an establishment which possess a trader license for a tobacco shop. The minimum age for all tobacco products including electronic devices is 21 years.

Under the Montgomery County Code, Chapter 24, a variety of smoking related topics are covered: smoking and tobacco products; availability and distribution to minors and enforcement. The code also says a person must not smoke or use any electronic cigarette in an indoor area open to the public except in a tobacco shop or a vape shop. A vape shop does not include an area of a larger store in which electronic cigarettes are sold. Vape shops cannot serve food and drink. Click link below which will direct to the State contact for compliance issues. For smoking complaints in an indoor, public area online users may submit a request by clicking on the Create Service Request button below. Please complete all fields in the Contact Information section then scroll down to the bottom of the page and provide a brief description of the request in the Brief Description field.

Compliance complaints (establishments in violation of underage sales), contact 311 during regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tobacco Violations may also be reported to the State of Maryland, link below.