Eagle Grove Police Department now part of I-PLEDGE

The Eagle Grove Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Eagle Grove and surrounding communities’ youth.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’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 Eagle Grove Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year. 

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and 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. 

I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales. The training assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.

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