MASON CITY – Youngsters entered Mason City business under the watchful eye of cops to try and buy smokes or other tobacco products and some businesses failed the test, resulting in fines.
The Mason City Police Department, in collaboration with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) tobacco enforcement program, has successfully carried out compliance checks on local retrailers throughout the month of June. This joint effort aims to uphold Iowa’s tobacco laws and regulations.
Under the supervision of law enforcement officials, a series of operations were conducted wherein underage individuals were deployed to thirty-seven establishments in Mason City with the objective of purchasing tobacco products. Five retailers who were found to be non-compliant with the law.
As a result, citations were issued on the spot to these employees making illegal sales.
The following reatilers have been identified as non-compliant:
• Wal-Mart, 4151 4th Street SW
• Yes Way, 637 12th Street NE
• Kwik Star, 1316 4th Street SW
• North Side Liquor, 1303 N Federal Ave
• Prime Wine & Spirits, 1104 N Federal Ave
Selling tobacco to a minor carries a penalty of $135 for the first offense.
By partnering with the Iowa ABD tobacco enforcement program, MCPD remains committed to preventing underage access to tobacco products and maintains a compliant retail environment within our community.