History
The Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) was an independent commission established through the passage of HB1052/Chapter 12 of the Acts of 2019 and became effective in January 2021. The law created the Commission, Office of the Executive Director, and the Field Enforcement Division. The ATC consisted of five (5) individuals appointed to a five- year term by the Governor of Maryland with the advice and consent of the Senate.
On May 3, 2023, the ATC evolved into the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) following the enactment of HB556, signed by the Governor. The ATCC is comprised of seven (7) individuals, five of whom are appointed for a five-year term by the Governor of Maryland, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The other two positions are currently vacant. The commission also includes ex-officio members from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland State Police (MSP), represented by their designees, Dana Monrief (MDH) and James E. Hock, Jr. (MSP), respectively. The ATCC is tasked with regulating and overseeing the alcohol and tobacco industries and collaborates with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) in managing the medical and retail cannabis sectors, particularly focusing on issues related to the unlicensed cannabis market.
Mission Statement
The mission of the ATCC is to advance public safety, support economic growth, and reduce public harm by promoting the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products through consistent administration and enforcement of laws and regulations, as well as the strategic integration of process management, functional expertise, and the study of operations and administration of similar laws in other states and countries.
