As part of a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Atlantic’s youth, officers with the Atlantic Police Department will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments, in the near future. The checks are part of the “I-Pledge” program, in partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (IBD), and serve to educate local retailers as well as enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products law.

Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement personnel, will enter establishments and attempt to purchase tobacco or similar products. 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 $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense.

Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green says the intent of the I-Pledge Program is not to hand out citations, although that may be the result. The intent, he says, is to educate sales clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community.

For more on I-Pedge, go to www.iowaabd.com.