Lang
1/13/24
North Liberty retailers who sell tobacco and vape products are on notice.
North Liberty Police say in the coming days they will be conducting compliance checks on businesses licensed to sell such products. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to a minor include a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense and a $645 fine for third and subsequent offenses.
The compliance checks are part of the I-PLEDGE program, which is a partnership between local law enforcement agencies and the Iowa Department of Revenue to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws.