Guam Tobacco Retailer Compliance Reaches 97.1% in 2025

2Firsts, January 5, 2025 — According to a report by Guampdn, the (GBHWC) announced that inspections conducted in 2025 at 277 eligible tobacco retailers across found that eight retailers sold tobacco or disposable e-cigarette products to underage individuals aged 16 to 20. One additional retailer failed to display the mandatory “No Sale Under 21” signage.

Inspection Results at a Glance

• Inspection findings: Out of 277 inspected retailers, 8 sold tobacco or disposable e-cigarettes to individuals aged 16–20; 1 failed to display the required “No Sale Under 21” sign.
• Penalties: 9 retailers were issued fines ranging from USD 2,000 to 4,000; under Public Law 37-90, fines may reach up to USD 20,000 depending on prior violations.
• Compliance rate: 97.1% in 2025, up from 94.8% in 2024, and well above the federal requirement of 80%.
• Enforcement agencies: GBHWC and the :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} (DRT) conducted random, unannounced inspections across 19 villages.

Enforcement and Legal Framework

GBHWC stated that the nine non-compliant retailers were promptly issued citations by DRT, with fines ranging from USD 2,000 to 4,000. Under Public Law 37-90, penalties for tobacco-related violations may reach up to USD 20,000, depending on the retailer’s history of prior citations.

GBHWC emphasized that Guam’s overall tobacco retailer compliance rate in 2025 reached 97.1%, an improvement over 94.8% in 2024, and remained well above the federally mandated minimum compliance rate of 80%.

In Guam, GBHWC and DRT jointly conduct random, unannounced compliance checks at tobacco retail outlets across all 19 villages. These efforts enforce the Tobacco Control Act of 1998 and the Youth Protection Act of 2017, both aimed at preventing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.

Federal Oversight and Community Collaboration

The monitoring activities are required under U.S. federal Public Law 102-321, commonly known as the Synar Amendment. This law mandates that states and territories receiving Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services block grant funding establish and enforce a minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products.

GBHWC Director Carissa Pangelinan noted that the successful implementation of annual compliance monitoring relies heavily on sustained collaboration among government agencies and community partners.

New Merchant Education Outreach Program

Beyond meeting federal requirements, GBHWC launched the Merchant Education Outreach Program in January 2025 as an additional resource for retailers of tobacco and disposable e-cigarette products. The program includes on-site educational visits and the distribution of policy checklists and informational materials designed to increase awareness of local tobacco regulations and help maintain high compliance levels across the island.

Image source: Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News