GUTHRIE CENTER, Iowa — The Guthrie County Sheriff’s office has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Guthrie County minors.
Known as the I-PLEDGE program, law enforcement agencies partner with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) in order to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s laws on tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product. The statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91% since the I-PLEDGE program began in 2000.
By participating in the program, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s office is committed to do its
part to increase the compliance rate even more this year. I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training.
“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse
illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” said Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright said. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”
Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail business to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.
Guthrie County Deputy Sheriffs will also conduct compliance checks on local businesses as part of the I-PLEDGE program.
Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter local businesses and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense and a $645 fine for third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.
“By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” said Arganbright. “Moreover, we pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Iowa.”
For more information about the I-PLEDGE training, visit the Iowa ABD website.
