The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has announced its continuing partnership to help keep tobacco and similar products out of the hands of minors. 

The Sheriff’s Office is taking the I-PLEDGE with the Iowa Department of Revenue to educate local retailers and enforce the state’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products laws against underage individuals. By participating in the program, the Sheriff’s Office says they are committed to do their part to increase the Department of Revenue’s 90 percent compliance rate across the state. 

According to the Department of Revenue, I-PLEDGE includes training for all retailers that have those products in their stores. Clerks who successfully complete the online course and pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified, which allows the stores to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if an illegal sale is made by a certified clerk.

Additionally, Greene County Sheriff’s Deputies will conduct compliance checks on local establishments. Part of the program allows for underage people, under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office, to attempt to purchase those products and if the clerk doesn’t spot it, they are cited on the spot.  The fine for the first offense is $135.