In 2016, the Guam Legislature enacted a 100% smokefree law for all restaurants and bars, which is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2017. The 2016 law strenghens the 2005 "Natasha Protection Act," which restricted smoking in some workplaces and public places, but it still allowed smoking in bars, attached bar areas of restaurants, and private clubs. The 2016 law does not require non-hospitality workplaces to be smokefree.

In 2007, all Executive Branch government facilities went smokefree, and in 2009, a smokefree zone was created within 20 feet of public buildings.

Guam advocates and health groups worked to build support for strengthening Guam's law to bring truly smokefree protections for the island's workers, residents, and visitors. A key barrier to strengthening the law has been the build-up of U.S. troops at the military base there. Even though indoor areas of bases are smokefree, troops have been able to light up in Guam's bars. This is cited by opponents and some lawmakers as a reason why smokefree bars wouldn't work. Of course, bars are smokefree in many military base towns across the country, but still it creates a perceived barrier to policy change.

Guam 2016 Legislative Session: 1/13 - 12/31