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News Release

Clatsop County Supports Efforts To Reduce Youth Tobacco Sales - 07/23/26

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County Public Health Tobacco Prevention and Education Program contributes to Oregon’s work to keep tobacco and nicotine products out of the hands of young people.

 

A new Oregon Health Authority report shows that 11% of Oregon tobacco retailers sold tobacco products to underage inspectors during compliance checks in 2025, down from 26% when the Tobacco Retail License Program began in 2022.

 

Locally, Clatsop County’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program and Clatsop County Tobacco Retail License Ordinance, supports this work through education, retailer engagement and inspections, policy initiatives, and community outreach aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.

 

Between 2023 and 2025 an average of 15% of Clatsop County retailers sold tobacco products – including vapes – to an underage inspector.

 

“Preventing youth access to tobacco and nicotine takes all of us - retailers, families, schools and community partners,” said Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist Stephanie Michael. “This statewide progress shows that prevention efforts make a real difference, while also reminding us that there is still more work to do locally.

 

“Our partnerships with local retailers are vital to these efforts. When an inspection identifies a compliance issue, we find that retailers are highly motivated to strengthen their training and processes. They want to be part of the solution, and we appreciate their shared commitment to protecting young people.”

 

Tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and flavored vaping products, continue to pose health risks for young people. Clatsop County Public Health encourages retailers and community members to stay engaged in protecting youth from nicotine addiction and its long-term negative health effects.

 

Tobacco retailers can request employee training, resources, and educational materials by contacting Clatsop County Public Health at 503-325-8500 or healthpromo@clatsopcounty.gov.

 

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Clatsop County Supports Efforts To Reduce Youth Tobacco Sales - 07/23/26

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County Public Health Tobacco Prevention and Education Program contributes to Oregon’s work to keep tobacco and nicotine products out of the hands of young people.

 

A new Oregon Health Authority report shows that 11% of Oregon tobacco retailers sold tobacco products to underage inspectors during compliance checks in 2025, down from 26% when the Tobacco Retail License Program began in 2022.

 

Locally, Clatsop County’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program and Clatsop County Tobacco Retail License Ordinance, supports this work through education, retailer engagement and inspections, policy initiatives, and community outreach aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.

 

Between 2023 and 2025 an average of 15% of Clatsop County retailers sold tobacco products – including vapes – to an underage inspector.

 

“Preventing youth access to tobacco and nicotine takes all of us - retailers, families, schools and community partners,” said Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist Stephanie Michael. “This statewide progress shows that prevention efforts make a real difference, while also reminding us that there is still more work to do locally.

 

“Our partnerships with local retailers are vital to these efforts. When an inspection identifies a compliance issue, we find that retailers are highly motivated to strengthen their training and processes. They want to be part of the solution, and we appreciate their shared commitment to protecting young people.”

 

Tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and flavored vaping products, continue to pose health risks for young people. Clatsop County Public Health encourages retailers and community members to stay engaged in protecting youth from nicotine addiction and its long-term negative health effects.

 

Tobacco retailers can request employee training, resources, and educational materials by contacting Clatsop County Public Health at 503-325-8500 or healthpromo@clatsopcounty.gov.

 

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