Oklahoma's continued success in curbing retailers selling tobacco to underage youth

Oklahoma has reached its highest compliance rate in more than a decade for preventing underage tobacco sales, according to the latest federal Synar Report. The state’s compliance rate climbed to 87.7 percent in 2025, the highest since 2014, showing progress in keeping tobacco products out of the hands of youth.

The Synar program requires states to conduct random, unannounced inspections of retailers to measure whether they are selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 21. Federal law requires states to maintain at least an 80 percent compliance rate to receive their full Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant award.

"Protecting youth from the dangers of tobacco is a shared responsibility, and Oklahoma's progress reflects the hard work of both state agencies and retailers." said Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay.

The Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission partners with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to conduct inspections statewide. Clerks who check IDs are significantly less likely to make an illegal sale than those who do not. 

“This work is critical to reducing youth access to tobacco and preventing lifelong addiction,” said Brandon Clabes, ABLE Commission director. “We are proud to partner with ODMHSAS to ensure Oklahoma continues to move in the right direction.”

The Synar Amendment, named after Oklahoma Congressman Mike Synar, was enacted by Congress in 1992 to decrease youth access to tobacco. In 2019, the federal minimum age to purchase tobacco was raised from 18 to 21, strengthening protections for young people.

Oklahoma’s progress not only meets but exceeds federal requirements, ensuring the state maintains eligibility for critical prevention and treatment funding while promoting healthier futures for youth.

To report retailers who sell tobacco to someone under the age of 21, use this online form: ABLE's Public Complaint Form. This form is also available on the ABLE home page: www.oklahoma.gov/able-commission.html. You can also report such violations to the FDA using their online form located at Potential Tobacco Product Violations Reporting - Form FDA 3779 or you can call the FDA hotline at (877)-287-1373 and select option 3. Every reported establishment is inspected. For free help quitting tobacco, call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW. 

For more information on the Synar program, email Synar@odmhsas.org.