Community Members
What Tobacco Retail Licensing means for our Community
Tobacco retail licensing helps to ensure that local businesses comply with tobacco sales laws and reduce sales of tobacco products to youth, and can limit the negative public health effects associated with tobacco use. Comprehensive Tobacco Retail Licensing policies can also help reduce tobacco-related health inequities by countering the tobacco industry’s predatory targeting of underserved communities.
This program works to protect youth. Before 2022, Oregon was one of only seven states without a statewide tobacco retail license program. This program is about holding the tobacco industry accountable. The industry markets its products aggressively to young people, so holding firm on the laws that protect youth is vital.
- The statewide tobacco retail license bill eliminated penalties for youth purchase, use and possession of tobacco products. This will help reduce interactions between youth of color and police.
- The law puts the responsibility — and penalty — for youth tobacco use on those who sell tobacco illegally. In addition, the law equips communities most targeted by the tobacco industry to advance policies that protect individuals and families, such as bans on flavored tobacco products.
Through better retailer education and expanded compliance checks, we can ensure that young people in every part of Oregon are provided the same protection from tobacco, a highly addictive and deadly substance.
Do you need to Report a Tobacco Retailer Violation?
Oregon law violations, including sales to persons under 21 years of age, may be reported here: Tobacco Retailer Violation Form or 971-673-2283.
FDA violations, including flavored cigarette sales, free samples, self-service, pack size, and marketing violations may be reported here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ptvr/index.cfm