PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon is making notable progress in preventing youth access to tobacco products, with new data showing a sharp decline in illegal sales by retailers across the state.
According to a newly released 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report from the Oregon Health Authority, just 11% of retailers sold tobacco to underage inspectors during compliance checks last year. That marks a substantial improvement from 26% in 2022, the first year of the state’s Tobacco Retail License Program.
The program, established by the Oregon Legislature in 2021 and operated in partnership with the Oregon Department of Revenue, aims to enforce state and federal laws prohibiting tobacco sales to individuals under 21. In addition to inspections, the program provides education and training resources to help retailers stay compliant.
State officials say the progress reflects a broad, community-driven effort.
“The drop in violations is the result of a collective effort, with communities statewide leaning in to create healthier environments for young people,” said Sarah Wylie, manager of the Oregon Tobacco Retail License Program within OHA’s Public Health Division.
Inspectors visited more than 99% of licensed tobacco retailers in 2025. The resulting 11% violation rate represents nearly a 60% decrease in unlawful sales since the program began.
Wylie credited a combination of education, compliance checks and shared accountability for the improvement. “This progress reflects the belief that protecting young people is a responsibility we all share,” she said.
How Compliance Checks Work
To test whether retailers follow age restrictions, the state employs young adult inspectors between the ages of 18 and 20. These individuals attempt to purchase tobacco products using valid identification that accurately reflects their age.
If a clerk proceeds with the sale, an adult compliance specialist immediately notifies the business of the violation and provides guidance for corrective action. Retailers that pass inspections receive acknowledgment letters, and some businesses offer incentives to employees who properly refuse sales.
Gold Beach Businesses Recognized
While statewide policies play a major role, officials emphasize that individual retailers are essential to reducing youth access to tobacco.
In the coastal city of Gold Beach, local businesses are being recognized for setting a high standard.
At McKay’s Market, manager Chalain Hatfield said rigorous employee training is key. Staff are required to check identification for anyone who appears under 30 and are trained to spot expired or fraudulent IDs.
“We’re pretty strict on training when it comes to alcohol and tobacco sales,” Hatfield said. “We run a tight ship.”
Hatfield added that regular check-ins and continued education help ensure employees remain confident in following the law.
Nearby, Nesika Market owner Jim Turner emphasized consistency and clear procedures.
“The main thing is making sure you always have someone who really understands how to check IDs,” Turner said. “If there’s any question, we tell staff, ‘Stop and ask. Don’t guess.’”
Turner said the store maintains a strict no-exceptions policy: “If someone isn’t over 21, we don’t sell. It’s the same every time.”
Looking Ahead
The report outlines several next steps to maintain and build on the program’s success, including expanded retailer training, continued use of young adult compliance checks and targeted support for communities with higher violation rates.
Public health officials stress that continued vigilance is essential, noting that tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Oregon.
“Retail checks are a critical way we protect people from those harms,” Wylie said. “Each successful inspection supports a future where more young people can thrive, free from tobacco addiction.”
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