The Stuart Police Department has partnered once again with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for the I-PLEDGE program to educate local retailers and enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws.

Officers will conduct compliance checks on local businesses as part of the program. Underage customers, under law enforcement supervision, will enter and attempt to buy products illegally. Any employees who make the illegal sale are cited immediately.

The program allows retailers to have employees complete an online training program and exam to become I-PLEDGE certified.

The program began in 2000 and statewide compliance rates have grown to 95-percent. For more information on the I-PLEDGE program, visit abd.iowa.gov