The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office is cracking down on underage tobacco, nicotine, and vapor-product use through their participation in the I-PLEDGE program.

The I-PLEDGE program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. It works to educate local retailers and enforce the state’s tobacco, nicotine, and vaping laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 90%.

Retail clerks can complete training through I-PLEDGE, and become certified once they pass the exam. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.

As part of the program, deputies in Louisa County will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to purchase tobacco and nicotine products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot. Violators are subject to a $135 fine for first offense, $325 for second offense, and $645 for third and subsequent offenses.

To take the I-PLEDGE training, or to search certification records, visit abd.iowa.gov.