Altadis U.S.A., Inc. v. Prince George's County, 65 A.3d 118

Maryland Prince George’s County enacted CB-47-2008 and CB-6-2009 regulating cigars’ packaging/sale.
Plaintiffs Altadis U.S.A., Inc. and Plescia group argued state law preempts local regulation.
Ordinances ban unpackaged cigars with specific exemptions (prices, retailers’ revenue mix, intra-county distribution).
Ordinances aimed to curb products used with illegal drugs; county testimony linked to reduced tobacco use.
Circuit Court granted summary judgment for county; this Court reviews implied preemption in field of tobacco regulation.
Title 16.5 of the Business Regulation Article comprehensively regulates other tobacco products, including cigars, preempting the ordinances.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Does state law preempt the field of tobacco regulation?	Altadis argues implied preemption by occupation.	County contends local control permissible.	State law occupies the field; preempts the ordinances.
Is preemption by conflict or express preemption reached?	Altadis asserts preemption by conflict.	County argues broader preemption not necessary.	Court does not address other theories; relied on implied preemption.
Do earlier preemption cases support preemption here?	Altadis relies on Allied Vending, etc.	County emphasizes ongoing state regulation.	Yes, state regulation comprehensively occupies field.

Allied Vending v. Bowie, 332 Md. 279 (Md. 1993) (comprehensive state regulation implies field preemption for cigarette vending)
City of Baltimore v. Sitnick & Firey, 254 Md. 303 (Md. 1969) (occupancy of field may preempt local regulation)
Talbot County v. Skipper, 329 Md. 481 (Md. 1993) (state comprehensive legislation preempts local sewage sludge regulation)
Montgomery Ass’n, 274 Md. 52 (Md. 1975) (extensive state election regulation preempts local election laws)
Allied Vending v. Bowie, 332 Md. 279 (Md. 1993) (state licensing scheme for tobacco products shows occupation of field)