Board administrators and enforcement staff on Sept. 12 briefed the Alcohol and Beverage Board on recent compliance activity and on guidance related to cannabidiol (CBD) products and tobacco-sales changes.

Sergeant C. Myers, the county alcohol enforcement coordinator, reported alcohol compliance checks and tobacco compliance results to the board: the county conducted ten alcohol checks (six documenting educational compliance) and twelve tobacco checks with no violations reported. The DUI arrest count for the reporting period was six, and enforcement staff attended multiple trainings and outreach events.

Board administration said the county had received inquiries from local licensees about CBD products and cocktails. Administrators cited a “white glove” testing report and Maryland Health Department guidance that — at the time of the meeting — did not allow CBD as an additive in food or drink, and therefore recommended licensees not add CBD to cocktails. The board said it would coordinate with the health department to circulate written guidance to licensees.

Representatives of the local beverage-retailer association reminded retailers that federal and state law increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco, e-cigarette and vape products to 21 effective Oct. 1, and that retailers should continue to card customers under 27. Participants discussed an active-duty military exemption that may permit sales to active-duty members if retailers choose to allow that exception; board members noted implementation questions about military identification forms and advised retailers to await detailed guidance from health and licensing authorities.

Board members said they would share guidance materials with licensees and encouraged caution pending clearer regulatory direction from state agencies and the Maryland comptroller’s office.