The Linn County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted tobacco compliance checks on area retailers – with only one caught selling to a minor.
The compliance checks are done in conjunction with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division’s Iowa Pledge program. On December 23rd and January 13th, the Sheriff’s Office checked a total of twenty-six tobacco product retailers in Linn County (not including the metro area) using an underage undercover purchaser.
Center Point Foods in Center Point sold tobacco products to the underage purchaser.
The Sheriff’s Office says penalties for illegal tobacco sales in Iowa include a $135 fine for an employee’s first violation, as well as a $300 civil penalty for the retailer’s first violation. Retailers who have been cited with up to five violations within four years face having their tobacco sales permit revoked.
