The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Iowa Department of Revenue to launch a comprehensive education and enforcement initiative aimed at keeping tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of minors in Jefferson County.
I-PLEDGE Program Overview
The I-PLEDGE program, which began in 2000, has achieved significant success statewide, with Iowa’s tobacco compliance rate growing to 90% over the past two decades. By joining the initiative in February 2026, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has committed to further increasing this compliance rate through a combination of retailer education and enforcement efforts.
“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” Sheriff Bart Richmond said. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”
Retailer Training and Certification
A cornerstone of the I-PLEDGE program is comprehensive retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and pass an examination will become I-PLEDGE-certified. This certification provides retail establishments with an important legal protection: certified clerks who make an illegal sale can use an affirmative defense against civil penalties.
The training program educates clerks on Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify minors attempting to purchase age-restricted products and refuse illegal sales.
Compliance Checks and Enforcement
As part of the I-PLEDGE program, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies will conduct compliance checks on local retail establishments throughout the county. These checks involve underage customers, operating under the supervision of law enforcement officials, entering establishments and attempting to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make illegal sales will be cited immediately at the location.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to minors escalate with repeated violations. A first offense carries a $135 fine, a second offense results in a $325 fine, and third and subsequent offenses bring a $645 fine. However, Sheriff Richmond emphasized that issuing citations is not the primary goal of the program.
“By partnering with the Iowa Department of Revenue, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” Sheriff Richmond said. “Moreover, we pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Iowa.”
Taking Action
Retail clerks interested in completing the I-PLEDGE training or searching certification records can visit revenue.iowa.gov to access the online training program and certification database.
