Key points
- Guam’s overall tobacco retail compliance rate reached 97.1% in 2025, up from 94.8% in 2024.
- 277 eligible retailers were inspected; nine were found in violation.
- Eight businesses paid $2,000–$4,000 fines for selling tobacco products or disposable e-cigarettes/vapes to people aged 16–20.
- One retailer paid a $500 fine for failing to display the required “No Sale Under 21” sign.
2Firsts, Feb 10, 2026
According to Pacific Daily News, Guam’s Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) released the names of retailers cited in 2025 tobacco compliance checks, along with penalties collected. Guam reported an overall 97.1% retailer compliance rate in 2025, an improvement from 94.8% in 2024 and above the federally required 80% threshold.
The compliance program is conducted jointly by the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) and DRT through random, unannounced checks across the island’s 19 villages. Out of 277 eligible tobacco retailers inspected in 2025, nine were found in violation of Guam’s tobacco laws and regulations.
DRT listed eight businesses fined for selling tobacco products or disposable e-cigarettes/vapes to individuals under 21, with penalties ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
A separate violation involved Ghost Vape (Hawaii International Industrial Corp.), which paid a $500 fine for failing to display the mandatory “No Sale Under 21” sign. Retailers are required to post the prohibition signage in visible areas and conduct ID checks.
Guam raised the legal age to purchase and use tobacco from 18 to 21, effective Jan. 1, 2018. The enforcement framework includes the Tobacco Control Act of 1998 and the Youth Protection Act of 2017, and aligns with federal requirements under the Synar Amendment for jurisdictions receiving prevention and treatment block grant funding.
Image source: Pacific Daily News
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