Section 16-210 - Denials, reprimands, suspensions, and revocations - Grounds. - Maryland Statutes

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(1) 1 year has passed since the license was revoked; and 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

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