06/02/2026
Press Release
Emmetsburg Police Department to partner with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks.
Emmetsburg, Iowa June 1, 2026 -The Emmetsburg Police Department has partnered with IDR to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks to reduce and deter underage alcohol sales.
The Iowa Underage Alcohol Enforcement Program is a joint effort between IDR and [Emmetsburg Police Department] to combat underage alcohol sales by holding employees and liquor-licensed establishments accountable for selling alcohol to someone underage. This program will encourage responsible sales of alcohol by liquor-licensed establishments. Compliance checks ensure that alcohol is not sold to underage persons, reducing the risk of underage drinking and its potential consequences, like impaired driving and accidents.
When bars and restaurants follow the rules, like not serving overly intoxicated patrons, the likelihood of impaired driving decreases, which can reduce traffic accidents and fatalities caused by drunk drivers. By ensuring that alcohol is sold in a regulated manner, the compliance checks promote responsible drinking. This can help reduce incidents of violence, injuries, and traffic accidents that are often linked to the overconsumption of alcohol.
Emmetsburg Officers will be conducting underage alcohol compliance checks at liquor-licensed establishments. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy alcohol products. Employees who make the illegal sale will be cited.
Compliance checks serve as a reminder to businesses of the importance of following the law. When businesses know they will be checked, they are more likely to train staff properly and take their responsibilities seriously, which leads to safer environments for customers and the public.
Criminal penalties for an employee selling alcohol to someone underage is $645 and $1,925, if the illegal sale is by the licensee or permittee (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h).
IDR offers the Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (I-PACT). This free training is available for those employed at a liquor-licensed location. The overall goal of I-PACT is increased voluntary compliance with the state's alcohol laws through education and enforcement. The core objective of I-PACT is the prevention of illegal sales of alcohol by educating alcohol sellers/servers and increasing awareness of changes in Iowa's liquor laws.
I-PACT certification allows the liquor-licensed establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty, if the employee sells or serves alcohol to someone underage. Chief Veldboom said, "The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment."
"By partnering with the IDR, we hope to educate liquor-licensed employees and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community," Chief Veldboom said, "Our agency is committed to keeping alcohol products out of the hands of underage person in Iowa."
