Alcohol Compliance Project

CONTACT:
Lt. Luke Bock
563-589-4473 lbock@cityofdubuque.org

06/27/25 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa –

The Dubuque Police Department has partnered with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks to reduce and deter underage alcohol sales.

The program is an enforcement effort facilitated by the Dubuque Police Department showing a commitment to reduce underage alcohol sales by holding employees and liquor-licensed establishments accountable.

IDR offers the Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance (I-PACT) free training 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 the program is to prevent illegal sales of alcohol by educating alcohol sellers/servers and increasing awareness of changes in Iowa’s liquor laws.

I-PACT focuses on preventing underage sales by providing participants with education and tools to prevent underage sales. Those employees who successfully complete the free online training will become I-PACT certified. This allows the liquor-licensed establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the employee sells or serves alcohol to someone underage.

I-PACT training is a great way for alcohol establishment employees to prepare themselves to refuse illegal alcohol sales. The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.

Throughout the week of June 23rd, Dubuque Police officers conducted underage alcohol compliance checks at liquor-licensed establishments within the city of Dubuque Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, entered establishments and attempt to buy alcohol products. Twenty-one (21) retail locations within the City of Dubuque were checked, with twenty (20) passing the compliance check and one (1) location illegally selling an alcoholic beverage to the underage customer. The employee who made the illegal sale was cited.

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)).

By partnering with the IDR, we hope to educate liquor-licensed employees and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community. The Dubuque Police Department is committed to keeping alcohol products out of the hands of underage persons in Iowa.

To take the I-PACT training, or for more info on I-PACT, search “I-PACT Iowa” or visit the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

As with any criminal case, the charges filed are allegations and any suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. If you have any information on this incident or others, please call the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415. You can also submit tips anonymously online at www.cityofdubuque.org/police

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Please do not reply to this message. If you would like additional information on this issue, please contact the staff person identified at the top of the message or contact the Dubuque Police Department at 563.589.4410.