FREDERICK, MD — The Frederick County Liquor Board, in collaboration with the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD), recently completed a series of compliance checks aimed at ensuring responsible sales of alcohol and tobacco products. Conducted between April 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, these inspections targeted both alcohol-selling and tobacco-selling businesses across the county.
Out of 12 alcohol-selling establishments inspected, 8 were found to be compliant, while 4 were cited for selling alcohol to underage buyers. Similarly, among the 13 tobacco-selling businesses examined, 5 sold tobacco or vape products to minors. A total of 9 businesses received civil citations for these violations. For those interested in the detailed findings, a complete report is available here.
The compliance checks come at a time when the Frederick County Liquor Board faces staffing shortages, which have hindered the completion of more extensive inspections. “These preventative compliance efforts are critical because they help to prevent underage access to alcohol and tobacco in Frederick County,” states Andrea Walker, Director of the Behavioral Health Services Division of the FCHD. “Early substance use greatly increases the risk of future substance use disorders.”
Statistics from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveal concerning trends among local youth, with nearly 40% of high school students reporting their first drink of alcohol before the age of 17. Additionally, around 6.5% of students admitted to trying tobacco for the first time in the past year. The Merchant Sales Compliance Initiative is designed to mitigate these alarming statistics by reducing teens’ access to alcohol and tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices.
As part of its commitment to public health, Frederick County emphasizes the importance of compliance with age-restricted sales laws. Research indicates that individuals who begin using alcohol or nicotine as teenagers face a significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders. By enforcing these regulations, the county aims to protect the well-being of its youth and foster a healthier community.
Read the original article at Frederick County Government