No tobacco sale violations in Washington

WASHINGTON — In early February, the Washington Police Department conducted compliance checks as part of the I-PLEDGE Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Product Enforcement Program with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

Under the direction and supervision of law enforcement, underage customers attempted to buy tobacco products from 12 Washington retailers. All the retailers refused to sell the products.

"Kudos to these retailers, and especially their employees, for taking their role in preventing the sale of tobacco and vape products to persons under the legal age seriously,“ Police Chief Jim Lester said. ”This was the second year in a row that our Washington retailers were 100% in-compliance."

The following retailers were in compliance: Fareway, Hy-Vee Food, Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits, Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh Express, Wine and Spirits, Casey’s #1624 (West), Casey’s #3538 (East), Walmart #1475, BP One Trip, Corner Stop, Washington Liquor and Tobacco and Dollar General Store #21535.

The Washington Police Department commends the businesses and their employees for not selling to the underage customers and for their diligence when it comes to underage tobacco sales.