The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office is once again partnering with a program through the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD). The program, I-PLEDGE, is a training initiative geared at educating local retailers to enforce the state’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws. Since the program began in 2000, Iowa’s tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%. Retail clerks who successfully complete an online training course and pass a test will become I-PLEDGE certified. This certification allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the clerk makes an illegal sale.

Along with the partnership, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Deputies will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the program. Underage customers, under the supervision of a law enforcement official, will enter the establishments and attempt to buy tobacco or other related products. Clerks who make an illegal sale will be cited immediately. Selling tobacco or other related products to minors may result in a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine for a third offense.

To take the certification course, or to see current certification status, click on this link: https://ipocp.iowaabd.com/portal