Decorah Police Pledge to Enforce Tobacco Rules

The Decorah Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Decorah's young people.

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 95%.

"I-PLEDGE's retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales," Decorah Police Chief David Smutzler said. "The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment."

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