Sibley, Iowa — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has again taken the pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Osceola County youth.
Sheriff’s Office personnel say that the program, known as I-PLEDGE, is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%. By participating in the program, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has committed to do its part. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office conducted compliance checks at local establishments throughout Osceola County as part of the I-PLEDGE program. All ten establishments successfully passed this year’s compliance checks.
I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and 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.
Sheriff’s Office personnel tell us that I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product sales. The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.
Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale are cited on the spot.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to a minor include a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for third and subsequent offenses. However, the Sheriff’s Office says handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.
By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, they say they hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in the community. Moreover, they say they pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of Iowa’s youth.
To take the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records you can go to https://abd.iowa.gov/.
