Officials say businesses' tobacco, vape sales compliance tops 97%
Guam businesses demonstrate a high compliance rate of 97.1% with laws prohibiting tobacco and vape sales to minors.Summary
Guam's Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) and the Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) announced that 97.1% of local retailers comply with laws preventing the sale of tobacco products to minors. This rate, based on annual inspections, surpasses 2024’s 94.8% and exceeds the federal minimum of 80%. Of 277 retailers inspected, only eight were cited for violations, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, with potential penalties up to $20,000 for repeat offenses. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero highlighted that one in three students use e-cigarettes and tobacco-related diseases are a leading cause of death on Guam. The inspections are mandated by the 1992 Synar Amendment to maintain federal funding for substance use programs. GBHWC also launched a Merchant Education Outreach Program in January 2025 to further support retailer compliance.
(Source：Postguam)
