(SBA) - Sergeant Bluff, Iowa (April 23, 2025) – The Sergeant Bluff Police Department has announced a partnership with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division, to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks aimed at reducing and deterring underage alcohol sales.
The Iowa Underage Alcohol Enforcement Program, a collaborative effort between IDR and the Sergeant Bluff Police Department, seeks to combat underage alcohol sales by holding employees and liquor-licensed establishments accountable. This initiative encourages responsible alcohol sales by ensuring that establishments do not sell alcohol to underage individuals, thereby reducing the risks associated with underage drinking, such as impaired driving and accidents.
Compliance checks will be conducted at liquor-licensed establishments, where underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will attempt to purchase alcohol. Employees who make illegal sales will be cited. These checks serve as a reminder to businesses of the importance of adhering to the law, promoting proper staff training and responsible sales practices, which contribute to safer environments for both customers and the public.
Criminal penalties for selling alcohol to someone underage are $645 for employees and $1,925 if the illegal sale is made by the licensee or permittee, as per Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h).
IDR offers the Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (I-PACT), a free training program for employees at liquor-licensed locations. The goal of I-PACT is to increase voluntary compliance with state alcohol laws through education and enforcement, preventing illegal sales of alcohol by educating sellers and servers about Iowa’s liquor laws. I-PACT certification provides establishments with an affirmative defense against civil penalties if an employee sells or serves alcohol to someone underage.
Chief Muller emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “By partnering with the IDR, we hope to educate liquor-licensed employees and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community. Our agency is committed to keeping alcohol products out of the hands of underage persons in Iowa.”
This joint effort aims to foster a safer community by promoting responsible alcohol sales and reducing the negative consequences associated with underage drinking.
