Indiana is reporting a decline in illegal tobacco sales to minors, according to new state data.
The latest Annual Synar Report shows the retailer violation rate fell to 10.5 percent in 2025. That is the lowest level recorded since 2013 and indicates most underage purchase attempts are being denied.
The data is based on compliance inspections conducted across the state. Aaron Jones, FDA and Synar program manager with Prevention Insights at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, said about 350 retailers were included in the 2025 sample.
“We do a random sampling from all tobacco retailers in Indiana,” Jones said. “For 2025’s data, that ended up to be about 350 completed inspections, and we had a retailer violation rate of 10.5 which is the lowest we’ve seen since 2013.”
State officials say checking identification remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illegal sales.
“So if we can just get retailers in the habit, make them understand that it’s such a useful tool to ask for the ID, verify that someone is 21,” Jones said. “If they’re doing that step, they’re gonna go a long way to not sell tobacco to someone under 21.”
Beginning July 1, Indiana will expand its ID policy, requiring retailers to check identification for anyone who appears under the age of 40. Officials say the change is intended to further limit youth access to tobacco.
