This week, the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office announced their pledge to encourage tobacco law compliance and prevent underage use of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products.

In a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, the Sheriff’s Office is adopting the I-PLEDGE program, which works to educate local retailers and enforce the state’s tobacco, nicotine, and vaping laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the tobacco compliance rate in Iowa has grown to 91%.

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 Iowa 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.