IOWA CITY – On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Iowa City Police Department conducted tobacco sales law compliance rechecks on the eight businesses that failed the March 13, 2026, compliance checks. One of the eight businesses failed the recheck.
The business that failed was: Hawks Mighty Mart, 504 E. Burlington St. (pictured at top)
The employees who sold tobacco products to the underage buyers were each charged with “Employee Providing Tobacco Products, Vapor, or Cigarettes to Anyone Under 21 Years of Age.” An employee convicted of selling tobacco products to persons under age 21 years of age is guilty of a simple misdemeanor, punishable with a $135 fine for the first offense. Additionally, the violations may result in civil penalties against the tobacco licenses.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Eight businesses checked by police back in March sold to the underage buyers. The businesses that failed the compliance checks were:
Essentials Vape and Smoke Shop, 560 Highway 1 W
North Dodge Amoco, 2153 ACT Circle
Hartig Drug, 701 Mormon Trek Blvd.
The Konnexion, 106 S. Linn St.
Hawks Mighty Mart, 504 E. Burlington St.
Almost Paradise Mini, 125 S. Dubuque St.
Hy-Vee Drugstore, 310 N. First Ave.
Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh 3, 1103 N. Dodge St.