§ 16-210. Denials, reprimands, suspensions, and revocations -- Grounds

   (a) In general. -- Subject to the hearing provisions of § 16-211 of this subtitle, the Comptroller may deny a license to an applicant, reprimand a licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee:

   (1) fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another person;

   (2) fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;

   (3) fails to comply with the Maryland Cigarette Sales Below Cost Act or regulations adopted under that Act;

   (4) fails to comply with the provisions of Title 11, Subtitle 5A of the Commercial Law Article;

   (5) buys cigarettes for resale:

      (i) in violation of a license; or

      (ii) from a person who is not a licensed cigarette manufacturer, licensed subwholesaler, licensed vending machine operator, or licensed wholesaler;

   (6) is convicted, under the laws of the United States or of any other state, of:

      (i) a felony; or

      (ii) a misdemeanor that is a crime of moral turpitude and is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee; or

   (7) has not paid a tax due before October 1 of the year after the tax became due.

(b) Additional cause for license revocation. -- Subject to the hearing provisions of § 16-211 of this subtitle, the Comptroller may suspend or revoke a license if the licensee violates:

   (1) Title 12 of the Tax - General Article, or regulations adopted under that title; or

   (2) this title or regulations adopted under this title.

(c) Additional cause for license denial. -- Subject to the hearing provisions of § 16-211 of this subtitle, the Comptroller shall deny a license to any applicant who has had a license revoked under this section until:

   (1) 1 year has passed since the license was revoked; and

   (2) it satisfactorily appears to the Comptroller that the applicant will comply with this title and any regulations adopted under this title.

(d) Investigations. -- Prior to the issuance or renewal of any license, the Comptroller shall conduct an investigation with regard to:

   (1) the applicant;

   (2) the business to be operated; and

   (3) the facts set forth in the application.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 56, § 618; 1992, ch. 4, § 2; 1994, ch. 464; 2000, chs. 97, 220; 2008, ch. 568; 2009, ch. 60.