DUBUQUE, Iowa – June 27, 2025 – The Dubuque Police Department, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), conducted a series of underage alcohol compliance checks during the week of June 23, 2025, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce illegal alcohol sales to minors in the city. The initiative underscores the department’s commitment to enforcing Iowa’s alcohol laws and fostering a compliant retail environment.
The compliance checks, facilitated by the Dubuque Police Department, involved underage customers, under law enforcement supervision, attempting to purchase alcohol at 21 liquor-licensed establishments within Dubuque. Of the locations checked, 20 successfully passed by refusing sales to the underage customers, while one establishment failed, resulting in an illegal sale. The employee responsible for the sale was cited and faces a criminal penalty of $645, as outlined under Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h). Licensees or permittees involved in such violations could face fines up to $1,925.
The Dubuque Police Department partnered with the IDR’s Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance (I-PACT), a free training initiative designed to educate employees of liquor-licensed establishments and prevent underage alcohol sales. I-PACT provides tools and knowledge to help servers and sellers comply with state alcohol laws, offering certification upon completion of the online training. Certified employees enable their establishments to use an affirmative defense against civil penalties in the event of an illegal sale.
“The I-PACT training is a valuable resource for alcohol retailers to ensure their staff are equipped to refuse illegal sales,” said Lt. Luke Bock of the Dubuque Police Department. “By partnering with the IDR, we aim to promote education and accountability, keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors in our community.”
The Dubuque Police Department encourages all liquor-licensed employees to participate in I-PACT training, available by searching “I-PACT Iowa” or visiting the Iowa Department of Revenue’s website. The department remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and responsible retail environment through education and enforcement.
Anyone with information related to underage alcohol sales or other incidents is encouraged to contact the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415 or submit anonymous tips at http://www.cityofdubuque.org/police. As with any criminal case, charges filed are allegations, and suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.
Contact:
Lt. Luke Bock
Dubuque Police Department
563-589-4473
lbock@cityofdubuque.org
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