CFPD and Iowa ABD To Do Compliance Checks

The Cedar Falls Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco out of the hands of Cedar Falls youth. The CFPD and Iowa ABD will be doing compliance checks.

It’s called the Iowa Pledge (I-Pledge), and it’s a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco laws. The I-Pledge Program has helped increase statewide tobacco compliance to a rate of 92% since it began in 2000.

As a part of the I-Pledge Program, Cedar Falls Police will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco to a minor include a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for third and subsequent offenses. By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, the Cedar Falls Police Department hopes to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community.