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Guam sees drop in tobacco sales to minors
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Posted on Jan 19 2012
HAGÅTÑA, Guam-Tobacco sales to minors have remained under 12 percent since 2007 in Guam, according to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse – Prevention and Training Branch yesterday. Recent tobacco vendor monitoring survey results show a decline in illegal tobacco sales to minors; from 10.2 percent in 2010 to 7.8 percent in 2011. The federal fiscal year 2010 national weighted average is 9.3 percent (Retail Violation Rates).
This federal mandate (referred to as Synar) is aimed at reducing tobacco sales to minors. Guam conducts unannounced tobacco vendor inspections and compliance checks every year. In September last year, 23 stores were in violation of Guam Public Law 24-278 (also known as the Tobacco Control Act of 1998) and were assessed fines ranging from $500 for a first-time violation, up to $5,000.
DMHSA partnered with the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation to conduct and report the results of the Synar compliance checks.
“The Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation is in-charge of tobacco-retailer licensing and tobacco law enforcement,” said director John Camacho. “Also, we provide merchants education to guide them on compliance. The outcome of this year’s compliance checks is the result of the hard work by our field agents and the youth volunteer inspectors.”
Camacho commended the 273 of 296 tobacco retailers who complied with the law and who passed the Synar inspection. “We look forward to the day when Guam’s merchants are 100 percent in compliance and are fully committed to doing their part in keeping Guam’s youth safe from tobacco use.“
Director Wilfred Aflague of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse also thanked agency partners for their efforts and collaboration, “including the Department of Revenue and Taxation – Alcohol Beverage Control Branch and General Licensing Branch, and the Youth for Youth LIVE! Guam organization. We will continue to explore ways to work together to help Guam further decrease the risks associated with tobacco use and abuse.” (PR)
