Clinton, lowa February 2024-The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office has taken a pledge to keep tobacco,
alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Clinton County.
Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the l-PLEDGE program.
Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and
attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited
on the spot.
By partnering with the lowa Department of Revenue, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant
environment in our community. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office pledges to help keep tobacco, alternative
nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in lowa.
Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the lowa Department of Revenue to educate local
retailers and to enforce lowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws. Since the program’s
inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%. By participating in the program,
the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this
year.
l-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course then
pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense
against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.
l-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegaltobacco alternative
nicotine and vapor product sale. The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and
responsible establishment.
Sheriff Bill Greenwalt
Clinton County Sheriff’s Office
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
