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Communities statewide are helping drive down tobacco sales to youth, according to a new Oregon Health Authority report on compliance with state tobacco retail licensing requirements.

The 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report shows that only 11% of tobacco retailers sold to youth during Tobacco Retail License Program inspections last year, a significant drop from 26% in the program’s first year.

The Oregon Legislature in 2021 created the Tobacco Retail License Program, a partnership between OHA and the Oregon Department of Revenue. The program works to ensure compliance with federal and state tobacco sales laws, such as making sure tobacco isn’t sold to people younger than 21. In addition to inspections, the program provides training and education for retailers.

Drop in violations statewide

OHA staff inspected more than 99% of all licensed retailers in 2025. The 11% violation rate represents a sustained decline in sales to underage inspectors, down nearly 60% since 2022.

“The drop in violations is the result of a collective effort, with communities statewide leaning in to create healthier environments for young people,” says Sarah Wylie, manager of the Oregon Tobacco Retail License Program, based at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“By working collectively, through education, compliance checks and shared commitment to the wellbeing of Oregon’s youth, this progress reflects the belief that protecting young people is a responsibility we all share.”

The 2025 Tobacco Retail Inspections Report also outlines upcoming efforts to sustain community momentum, including:

Expanded retailer training and resources.
Continued use of young adult compliance checks.
Focused support in communities with higher violation rates.

Tobacco sales inspection process

To verify if a store is only selling to customers 21 and older, the state works with young adult inspectors ages 18 to 20. These inspectors use their real identification cards to attempt to purchase a tobacco product. If a store employee asks how old they are, the inspector gives their real age.

If the store sells the tobacco product to the young adult inspector, an adult compliance specialist enters the store to inform them they failed the inspection. The store license holder then receives a letter with the results, more information about the violation, and resources to strengthen clerk training. If the clerk refused to sell, the young adult gives them a letter that thanks them for their work to prevent youth nicotine addiction. Some stores give clerks bonuses or other incentives to reward them for passing an inspection.

Gold Beach retailers setting the standard

While public health efforts play a major role, OHA emphasizes that responsible retail practices are critical to preventing youth access to tobacco.

In Gold Beach, local businesses like McKay’s Market and Nesika Market are recognized as examples of retailers helping keep Oregon communities safe.

At McKay’s Market, Manager Chalain Hatfield says consistent training and attention to detail are key. “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 credits ongoing education and regular check-ins for their success. “If you keep your clerks up-to-date and confident, they’re going to do the right thing.”

At Nesika Market, owner Jim Turner says experience and a clear process make all the difference. “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 says the policy is simple and consistent: “If someone isn’t over 21, we don’t sell. No exceptions. It’s the same every time.”

Source: Oregon Health Authority

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