Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Department of Revenue to educate local retailers and to enforce the state’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to exceed 90 percent By participating in the program, the Fort Dodge Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course, then pass an exam, will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty, if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.

“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks t prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” Police Chief Dennis Quinn said. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”

Officers will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who make the 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.

“By partnering with the Iowa Department of Revenue, we hope to educate clerks ad maintain a complaint retail environment in our community,” Quinn said. “Morever, we pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands or underage persons in Iowa.”