Oregon sees dramatic drop in tobacco sales to minors
OREGON (KTVZ) -- Oregon has seen a significant decrease in tobacco sales violations to youth, with only 11% of retailers selling to minors during inspections last year. This marks a substantial drop from the 26% violation rate recorded in the program's inaugural year.
The positive trend is highlighted in the 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report from the Oregon Health Authority.
The decline in violations is attributed to the Tobacco Retail License Program, established by the Oregon Legislature in 2021. This program operates as a collaborative effort between the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Its primary goal is to enforce federal and state tobacco sales laws, specifically ensuring that tobacco products are not sold to individuals younger than 21. The program includes inspections, retailer training and educational resources. OHA staff inspected more than 99% of all licensed retailers in 2025 and the 11% violation rate represents a nearly 60% decline since 2022.
The state employs young adult inspectors, who are 18 to 20 years old, to verify compliance with age restrictions. These inspectors use their actual identification cards when attempting to purchase tobacco products.
If a store employee asks for their age, the inspector provides their real age. Should a sale occur, an adult compliance specialist enters the store to inform staff of the failed inspection. The store's license holder then receives a letter detailing the violation and offering resources for clerk training.
If a clerk refuses to sell, the young adult inspector presents a letter of thanks for their efforts to prevent youth nicotine addiction. Some retailers provide incentives or bonuses to clerks who successfully pass these inspections.
Responsible retail practices are crucial for preventing youth access to tobacco. Gold Beach businesses like McKay's Market and Nesika Market are recognized for their role in community safety.
Chalain Hatfield, manager of McKay's Market, emphasizes the importance of consistent training. "We're pretty strict on training when it comes to alcohol and tobacco sales," Hatfield said. "We require ID for anyone who looks under 30 and train staff on what to look for—things like expired IDs or signs of fraud. We run a tight ship." Hatfield also stated, "If you keep your clerks up-to-date and confident, they're going to do the right thing."
Jim Turner, owner of Nesika Market, credits experience and a clear process for their success. "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 added, "If someone isn't more than 21, we don't sell. No exceptions. It's the same every time."
The 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report also outlines upcoming initiatives designed to maintain this positive community momentum. These efforts include expanded training and resources for retailers, the continued use of young adult compliance checks and focused support for communities experiencing higher violation rates.
Sarah Wylie, manager of the Oregon Tobacco Retail License Program, commented on the broader impact of these checks. "Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Oregon. Retail checks are a critical way we protect people from those harms," Wylie said. She also noted, "Each successful inspection supports a future where more young people can thrive, free from tobacco addiction and with greater chances for lifelong health."
Resources are available to help tobacco retailers comply with state laws, including a training manual, fact sheets, compliance checklists and other educational materials. Retailers can access these resources through the OHA website for tobacco retailers.
The Oregon Health Authority encourages retailers with questions about compliance inspections and enforcement to visit healthoregon.org/tobaccoretailsales, email Tobacco.Inspections@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-2283. Further details on these and other efforts will be available as the program continues to implement its plans.
