Cops in Shops Program Targets Would Be Teen Smokers

Des Moines (May 1, 2001) – The next time a minor walks into a local retailer to purchase a pack of cigarettes, he or she is going to have to ask themselves if the clerk behind the counter is an employee of the store – or a local cop. Beginning on May 5th, plain clothed peace officers will be working behind retail counters throughout the state in a joint effort with the retail community to deter Iowa’s kids from attempting to purchase tobacco products.

Lynn Walding, Administrator of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (Iowa ABD), announced today a “Cops in Shops” pilot project designed to discourage kids from attempting to purchase tobacco products. The program teams retailers and local law enforcement agencies in over 50 Iowa communities. Minors who attempt to purchase tobacco, or adults that purchase tobacco for minors, will be cited.

The project is designed to raise awareness that, it is not only illegal to sell tobacco to minors, but that it is equally against Iowa law for kids under the age of 18 to purchase, attempt to purchase, or use tobacco products. A first time offender is subject to a $50 fine and 8 hours of community service. Similarly, adults that supply tobacco to kids can be cited with a simple misdemeanor and are subject to a mandatory court appearance and a minimum fine of $50.

“During the past six months, the majority of our education and enforcement efforts have been directed at retailers,” Walding noted. “Retailer’s have shown marked improvement at reducing the sale of tobacco to Iowa’s kids. Statewide, the compliance rate has improved from 67 percent a year ago to the current rate of 79 percent. “Cops in Shops” is the logical next step. If underage kids stop trying to buy tobacco, retailers won’t sell it to them. The project recognizes that kids play a pivotal role in preventing teen smoking, and that all of the responsibility shouldn’t fall exclusively on retailers.”

The “Cops in Shops” program was designed by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division in coordination with the Iowa Tobacco Advisory Committee (ITACom), the retail advisory committee created to consult the state on tobacco enforcement. Kum and Go, an ITACom member, is a strong supporter of the program. “We have spent a great deal of time and money training our employees to check IDs and not sell to minors,” said Randy Meyer, Vice President of Krause Gentle Corporation. “We believe that Iowa’s kids should demonstrate the same responsibility and not purchase tobacco. Everyone wins.”

Look for the red “Cops in Shops” buttons on retailers throughout the state – and ask yourself: “Is that a Cop or a Clerk?”

For more information on Iowa’s tobacco enforcement efforts, contact the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division at 515.281.7461, or toll free at 866.IA.PLEDGE (866.427.5334).

Iowa’s ABD Tobacco Enforcement Program is funded by an appropriation of the Iowa Legislature with funds generated by the master tobacco settlement with tobacco companies. No state tax revenues are used to support this effort. Studies have shown that the combination of retailer education and tobacco law enforcement efforts can effectively reduce illegal sales of tobacco to minors and help reduce teen smoking. Currently, 37 percent of Iowa teens report the use of tobacco products. Iowa tobacco retailers compliance rate has increased from 67 percent in 2000, to the current rate of 79 percent, following education and enforcement activities.