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Nebraska Statewide Rule

Nebraska Tobacco 21 Minimum Age Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nebraska (2026)

Key Facts

Statewide minimum age
21
Sale statute
Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1419
Licensee sales
Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1425
Covered products
Cigarettes, vapes, cigars
Local lower age
Not allowed
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nebraska Legislature

Summary

Nebraska prohibits selling or furnishing cigarettes, vape products, and other tobacco to anyone under age 21. Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1419 makes such a sale a Class III misdemeanor, covering in-person, online, and vending sales.

Whoever shall sell, give, or furnish, in any way, any tobacco in any form whatever, or any cigars, cigarettes, cigarette paper, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or alternative nicotine products, to any person under twenty-one years of age, is guilty of a Class III misdemeanor for each offense.

Source: Nebraska LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1419 makes it unlawful to sell, give, or furnish cigarettes, cigars, electronic nicotine delivery systems, alternative nicotine products, or other tobacco to a person under 21; a licensee who does so violates Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1425. Use of tobacco by a person under 21 is separately barred by 28-1418. Retailers must verify government-issued photo ID and post the required age-restriction signage. The state law mirrors the federal Tobacco 21 standard and applies statewide. Local jurisdictions may add licensing or compliance-check programs but cannot set a lower minimum age.

Violations & Penalties

Selling or furnishing tobacco to a buyer under 21 is a Class III misdemeanor under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1419, with escalating fines and potential retail license sanctions for repeat violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nebraska's legal age to buy tobacco?
It is 21 statewide. Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1419 bars selling or furnishing cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21, whether the sale is in person, online, or by vending machine.
Are there penalties for the underage buyer in Nebraska?
Use or possession by a person under 21 is a Class V misdemeanor under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1418, but enforcement focuses mainly on sellers and distributors under 28-1419, consistent with federal Synar and FDA policy.

Sources

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