Decreased Compliance Rates Found in Random Retail Inspections in Guam

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Dec.08.2023

Decreased Compliance Rates Found in Random Retail Inspections in Guam

Guam conducts surprise inspections on retailers, revealing a drop in compliance rate to 94.8%, citing a rise in youth e-cigarette usage.

According to a report by Guam's media outlet, kuam, the Guam Behavioral Health and Welfare Center, along with the Revenue and Taxation Department, conducted random and unannounced compliance checks on retailers across the entire island. The results indicate that this year's compliance rate has decreased from 97% in the previous year to 94.8%.

According to an official report, it has been revealed that out of the 324 retail businesses registered with the income and taxation department, 13 have been found to be in violation of regulations regarding the sale of tobacco and electronic nicotine products to customers between the ages of 16 and 20.

The director of the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Theresa Arriola, has revealed a concerning trend of increased e-cigarette usage among the island's youth.

She said, "What we need to do is ensure that retailers selling nicotine, whether it be tobacco or e-cigarettes, are aware that violating regulations could lead to heavy fines and license revocation. If word gets out that they may lose their license, it will be a major concern for them. Therefore, what needs to be done is that stores must carry out 100% identity verification, regardless of their appearance of age.

A range of fines, varying from $1,000 to $10,000, has been imposed on these violations. Officials have confirmed that a total of thirteen non-compliant shops have been penalized.

References:

[1] 13 stores caught selling tobacco and vapes to underage customers

Also Read:

[1] Decline in Compliance Rate for Tobacco and E-Cigarette Retailers on Guam

[2] Proposed 10% and 20% Tax on E-cigarette Products in Guam

[3] Guam Introduces Bill to Ban Tobacco Sales in Vending Machines

#North America #Legislation #Open system e-cigarettes #Regulation #Oceania #Guam #Retail store

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches

According to People, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview with The Atlantic that although he frequently uses Zyn nicotine pouches, he does not recommend that Americans imitate his personal habits. His use of nicotine products has drawn renewed attention, alongside ongoing scrutiny of his broader health-related positions.

Dec.04

Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban

Vietnam’s National Assembly has debated amendments to the Investment Law that would include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the list of prohibited business activities. Lawmakers supported a total ban consistent with WHO recommendations and previous National Assembly resolutions, citing rising youth addiction rates. Finance Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng confirmed that the ban would apply comprehensively, with a short transition period for foreign factories.

Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Israel Proposes E-Cigarette Tax Reform Expected to Raise 154 million USD Shekels Annually

Israel’s Finance Ministry has proposed a 2026 economic reform introducing new taxes and licensing for e-cigarettes. The plan would impose a NIS 1-per-ml tax on vape liquids and NIS 30 per device, abolish VAT exemptions in Eilat, and is expected to generate about NIS 500 million（154 million USD） annually.

Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea’s Parliament Reconsiders Bill to Regulate Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco

South Korea’s National Assembly is once again reviewing a bill to classify synthetic nicotine as a tobacco product under the Tobacco Business Act. The proposal aims to close regulatory loopholes that allow untaxed, unregulated nicotine liquids — often used by minors — to circulate freely. Lawmakers expect the bill to pass during the current session amid growing public and civic pressure.