ANKENY, IOWA (Jan 20, 2026) – The Ankeny Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of underage individuals in the community.
Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Department of Revenue that focuses on educating local retailers and enforcing Iowa laws related to tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to more than 90 percent. By participating in I-PLEDGE, the Ankeny Police Department has committed to further improving compliance in Ankeny.
A key component of the I-PLEDGE program is retailer education. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and pass an exam become I-PLEDGE certified. Certification allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if a certified clerk makes an illegal sale.
As part of the program, Ankeny police officers will conduct compliance checks at local retail establishments. Underage buyers, under the supervision of law enforcement, will attempt to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products. Clerks who make an illegal sale will be cited at the time of the violation.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products to a minor include a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense, and a $645 fine for third and subsequent offenses. Education remains the primary focus of the program.
Retailers and clerks can access I-PLEDGE training or search certification records by visiting revenue.iowa.gov.