The Davenport Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Davenport youth.
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 91%. By participating in the program, the Davenport Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.
In the near future, Davenport police officers will be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers under the supervision of Davenport police officers, 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.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $100 fine for the first offense, a $250 fine for the second offense and a $500 fine for the third and subsequent offenses.