Police conducted the compliance checks at the local businesses on Jan. 18, 19, and 21. During the checks 54 businesses refused to sell tobacco to underage buyers.

Seven businesses failed the compliance checks: The Den, 123 E. Washington St.; Fareway, 2530 Westwinds Drive; Liquor Downtown, 315 S. Gilbert St.; Red Poppy, 341 E. College St.; Russ’ Northside Service, 305 N. Gilbert St.; Walgreen, 2214 Muscatine Ave.; and Zombies Tobacco, 318 E. Burlington St.

Selling tobacco products to a person under the age of 18 is a simple misdemeanor; the first offense is punishable by a $100 fine. All violations are also reported to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for civil penalties against the tobacco licensee.

— by Conrad Swanson