On November, 10, 2026 the Atlantic Police Department took a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Atlantic.
The Program I-PLEDGE is a partnership with The Iowa Department of Revenue to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Since the programs start in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to exceed 90 percent. By participating in the program, the Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.
I-PLEDGE places emphasis on training retail clerks who just need to complete an online training course and pass an exam to become certified in I-PLEDGE. By doing so this allows retailers to have an alternative defense against any civil penalties in case of an illegal sale.
“I-PLEDGE retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” Chief Hogue said. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”
Officers will conduct compliance checks on local establishments as part of the program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials will enter establishments and attempt to by tobacco or nicotine products. Any clerks that make an illegal sale will be cited on the spot.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco or alternative nicotine products to a minor include, a fine of $135 for a first offense, a $325 fine for the second offense, and a $645 fine for the third and subsequent offense. Handing out citations is not the intent 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,” Chief Hogue said. “Moreover we pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Iowa.”
To take the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records go to https://revenue.iowa.gov./
