Cedar Falls Police Department Takes Pledge to Keep Tobacco Out of Youths' Hands

Press release from the Cedar Falls Police Department

The Cedar Falls Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco out of the hands of Cedar Falls youth.

It’s called the Iowa Pledge, and it’s a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (Iowa ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco laws. The Iowa Pledge Program has helped increase statewide tobacco compliance to a rate of 92 percent since it began in 2000. By partnering with the Iowa ABD, the Cedar Falls Police will look to do its part in continuing the upward trend.

Clerks who successfully complete an online training program and pass an exam will be Iowa Pledge Certified and the retail establishment will receive an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale. To take the training or search Iowa Pledge certification records go to http://ipocp.iowaabd.com:8080/portal.

“The Iowa Pledge Retailer Training Program is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco sales,” Chief Jeff Olson said. “The training will help retailers maintain a compliant and responsible establishment."

Also as part of the Iowa Pledge Program, officers will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments. Underage customers under the supervision of law enforcement officers will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco to a minor include a $100 fine for the first offense, a $250 fine for the second office and a $500 fine for third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is not the intent of the Iowa Pledge Program.

“By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” Chief Jeff Olson said. “Moreover, we pledge to help keep tobacco out of the hands of Iowa’s youth.”