Md. Won't Enforce Ban On Online Cigars

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Smokers, rejoice. Maryland won't enforce a controversial 2010 ban on online sales and shipments of premium cigars.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the office of Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a letter Monday that the department will not enforce the 2010 ban, which was intended to prevent large bootleg orders from minors and tax evaders, not to apply to premium cigars.

Attorney General Douglas Gansler ruled that the comptroller has the authority to suspend enforcement. Legislative leaders have said they're agreeable to fixing the law by creating a loophole for high-end cigars.

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