Section 19-101 - Tourist or travelers' guide or information services. - Maryland Statutes

§ 19-101. Tourist or travelers' guide or information services.
 

(a)  Use of word "official" prohibited.- A person other than as an agent or employee of the United States or a state or a political subdivision of the United States or a state may not use the word "official", or its equivalent, in connection with a tourist or travelers' guide or information service or with related advertising or publicity. 

(b)  List of establishments paying commission for referrals required on signs; exceptions.-  

(1) In this subsection, "advertisement" includes a display or sign that is visible from a public highway. 

(2) A person may not conduct or operate a tourist or travelers' information service unless each affixed advertisement that announces the service by the prominent display of the word "information" or a synonym includes, in letters that are at least half the size of the largest letters in the advertisement and that are lighted and displayed with substantially equal prominence, a complete list of names, headed "Sales Agents For" or the equivalent, of each business from which a person, directly or indirectly connected with the service, receives a commission, fee, or other payment or remuneration for referrals to the business. 

(3) This subsection does not apply to: 

(i) a bona fide chamber or association of commerce of cities, towns, or counties of the State; or 

(ii) an information service furnished by a retail business if remuneration is not received from any other business other than for goods sold on the premises. 

(c)  Penalty.- Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a penalty not exceeding $500 for each offense. 
 

[1956, ch. 35; 1959, ch. 394; 1996, ch. 10, §§ 4, 5; 2003, ch. 21, § 1.]