Since the beginning of August, Dissmore’s IGA in Pullman has reported 13 cases in which an underage person has attempted to pass a fake ID for the purchase of alcohol and/or tobacco, according to a Pullman Police Department press release.

Of these cases, 12 have resulted in arrest, according to the release.

Store co-owner and general manager Archie McGregor urged those who consider attempting to pass a fake ID at his store, or any other, to think twice, according to the press release.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that alcohol and tobacco do not leave our store in the hands of minors,” he said. “We take that responsibility seriously.”

Police Chief Gary Jenkins wrote that minors may find it exciting to use a fake ID to gain access to restricted venues or goods, but wrote that the temporary thrill is far outweighed by the lasting consequences, according to the release.

He wrote, possession or use of a fictitious or fraudulent driver’s license or identification card is a misdemeanor offense in Washington state. The manufacturing, sale or delivery of a forged, fictitious, counterfeit, fraudulently altered or unlawfully issued driver’s license or ID, he wrote, may be considered a gross misdemeanor or felony offense. In addition to criminal charges, he wrote penalties may include steep monetary fines and jail time, according to the release.

The police department partners with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and local businesses to provide annual training for employees, managers and owners of Pullman businesses that sell alcohol or cannabis, according to the release.

Representatives from Dissmore’s attended the most recent training in July, according to release.

McGregor said the training as well as the quality of employees have helped them to stop the use of fake IDs in his store.

Jenkins wrote that community partners play an important role in public safety. The department thanks Dissmore’s IGA for their continuing commitment to careful and responsible sales. He wrote they will continue to work with local businesses to enforce the laws that protect the community and its members.

Reporting by Katie Shadler