Marengo police to partner with Iowa Department of Revenue for tobacco education

MARENGO -— The Marengo Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Marengo underage people.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with Iowa Department of Revenue to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws, said Marengo police in a press release.

Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to exceed 90%. By participating in the program, the Marengo Police Dept. 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 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.

Officers will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products, the press release said.

Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense, and a $645 fine for third, and subsequent, offenses.

However, handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program, the press release says.

To take the I-PLEDGE training, or search certification records, visit revenue.iowa.gov.