In partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, the Newton Police Department recently conducted the first round of tobacco compliance checks to ensure local businesses are following Iowa law and are not selling tobacco or vape products to those under the age of 21.
Between Feb. 6 and Feb. 14, the police department visited 21 local businesses and tried to purchase tobacco products with the help of an underage volunteer customer. Four businesses sold tobacco to the minor and the employees were cited with $135 fine.
The goal of the program is to educate clerks, maintain a compliant retail environment in our community and keep tobacco and vapor products out of the hands of our underage individuals. The businesses that were in violation are reported to the Iowa ABD and may receive further licensing sanctions as a result of their non-compliance. Additional checks of those businesses will occur throughout 2022.
