CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Guests are now permitted in the Navy Exchange and commissary on Naval Base Guam, the Navy announced Wednesday.

The rule change allows active-duty military, reserve, retirees and government civilians with privileges who are over 18 years old to bring one visitor with them into the stores, the Navy said. Exceptions for additional guests must be approved by store managers.

The new guest policy “is for the convenience of the shopper, who might otherwise have to leave a sponsored guest at home, in the car or waiting in the NEX food court,” the Navy said in a news release.

The Navy had barred anyone without a government identification card from entering the base exchange and commissary, according to spokeswoman Annette Donner.

The guest privilege may be suspended during busy periods, special sales or authorized shopper days, which are announced in advance, the Navy said.