Across Baltimore, we are seeing a growing number of “pop-up” smoke shops opening in our neighborhoods. Too many of these stores are selling unregulated products that harm our communities and are being marketed directly to kids. That is unacceptable.
We welcome entrepreneurship in Baltimore, but not businesses that prey on the vulnerability of our young people.
Today, we stood together with community leaders, public health experts, and responsible business owners to take action. We are using legislative tools to protect our youth, hold bad actors accountable, and make our neighborhoods safer.
I want to thank Councilmembers Glover, Blanchard, and Jones for their leadership in bringing forward this legislative package. We respect those in the industry who are operating responsibly, but we will not tolerate exploitation or disregard for our residents’ health and safety.
