The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is once again partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division to help keep tobacco out of the hands of area youth.

Retailers are encouraged to take the Iowa Pledge, which educates clerks on how to enforce Iowa’s tobacco and laws.  Since 2000, the program has helped increase statewide tobacco compliance to a rate of 92%.

Retail workers who successfully complete an online training program and pass an exam will receive Iowa Pledge certification and the store will receive an affirmative defense against civil penalty if the clerk makes an illegal sale.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments over the next few weeks.  Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement, will attempt to buy tobacco products in various establishments.  Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco to a minor includes a $100 fine for the first offence, $250 fine for the second offence and $500 fine for third and subsequent offences.

But Sheriff Tom Heater says handing out citations is not the goal of the Iowa Pledge Program.  By continuing to partner with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, Sheriff Heater says they hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in the community.