The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office is the latest law enforcement agency in the region to announce their participation in I-PLEDGE, a tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products education and enforcement initiative. The sheriff’s office has taken this pledge in partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division to help keep these products out of the hands of underage individuals in Guthrie County. As a part of the program, authorities work with retailers to educate and enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Clerks who successfully complete the online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified, allowing the retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale. Penalties include a $135 fine for a first offense, $325 for a second and a $645 fine for third or subsequent offenses. The fining, however, is not the intent. Guthrie County Sheriff, Mary Arganbright, says they hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in their community. “I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” Arganbright says. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.” Deputies will be conducting compliance checks at local retailers. Underage individuals, with the supervision of law enforcement, will enter establishments and attempt to buy these products.
