Newton businesses pass first round of tobacco compliance checks

All 25 of the local businesses evaluated this past week for tobacco compliance passed the first round of testing from the Newton Police Department and Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. The tests are to ensure businesses are following state law and are not selling tobacco or vape products to those under age 21.

According to a Jan. 20 press release from the police department, an underage volunteer customer tried to purchase tobacco products from each business. Every business tested by authorities had checked the minor’s ID and did not sell them tobacco. Police Chief Rob Burdess praised these stores for their efforts.

“We are pleased to see all Newton businesses following state law by checking IDs,” Burdess said in the press release. “We appreciate their help in limiting access to tobacco products by minors, ultimately leading to a safer and healthier community.”

The goal of the program is to educate clerks, maintain a compliant retail environment in the community and keep tobacco and vapor products out of the hands of underage individuals. If any business had sold to the minor, they would be in violation and reported to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

Businesses may receive further licensing sanctions as a result of non-compliance.

According to data from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division and Iowa Department of Revenue, compliance rate of Iowa businesses is relatively high. In fiscal year 2024, 92 percent of Iowa businesses were compliant, which amounts to 3,071 compliant businesses and 285 non-compliant businesses.

For the past 26 years, the state’s I-PLEDGE Tobacco Enforcement and Training Program has been available to cities and counties to increase voluntary compliance with the state’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws through education and enforcement.

The objective of the program is to prevent illegal sales of tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. I-PLEDGE training is offered to retailers online at no cost. When passing the final test, employees of that business receive a certificate that is valid for a period of two years.

Establishments participating in I-PLEDGE training are granted an affirmative defense that can be used one time in a four-year period in order to avoid civil prosecution. If an employee is guilty of a violation, they will still be subject to a fine and have their certification revoked. But the training can be retaken.