Guam reported a 97.1% compliance rate with tobacco retail laws following island-wide inspections conducted by the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and the Department of Revenue and Taxation.
The annual, unannounced checks are required under the federal Synar Amendment which requires states and territories that receive Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, Recovery Services Block Grant funds to establish and enforce the minimum legal age for purchasing and using tobacco products.
GBHWC and DRT are responsible for conducting random and unannounced tobacco retail compliance checks in all 19 villages.
The 2025 compliance rate improved from 94.8% in 2024 and remains well above the federally required 80% threshold.
Of the 277 eligible tobacco retailers inspected, eight were found in violation of selling tobacco or disposable electronic nicotine delivery systems products to minors ages 16-20 and one retailer failed to display the mandatory “No Sale Under 21” prohibition sign.
Signs prohibiting the sale of tobacco to and for minors hang on the door of a Business in Barrigada Heights. Photo by Skyler Obispo
GBHWC said the nine establishments immediately received citations from DRT ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. Per P.L. 37-90, tobacco violations may be penalized as high as up to $20,000 depending on the history of citations.
Director Carissa Pangelinan said in a release that the inspections, along with merchant education efforts, are aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products across the island.
“These ongoing prevention initiatives help safeguard our youth from prematurely accessing tobacco and ENDS products at the retail level,” she said. “As an island community, it is our collective responsibility to protect our youth—our future leaders—by fostering positive influences that shape their beliefs and behaviors.” mbj
The villages of Tamuning, Tumon, and Harmon have long served as Guam’s primary commercial center, anchoring the island’s tourism industry, industrial activity, and a concentration of public and private medical practices all governed under one mayorship.
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