It is unlawful in Nebraska to sell or furnish tobacco, vapor, or alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21 under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1418. Lincoln Police and LLCHD coordinate compliance checks at retailers.
Nebraska aligned with the federal Tobacco 21 standard through Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-1418, prohibiting sale of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21. Retailers must check ID for any customer who appears under 30, post required age signage, and train clerks. Lincoln Police, Nebraska State Patrol, and LLCHD conduct unannounced compliance checks. Violations can produce state criminal charges against the clerk, civil penalties against the retailer, and license actions through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for combined alcohol-tobacco licensees.
Selling to a minor exposes the clerk to a Class III misdemeanor and the retailer to civil penalties, increased compliance check frequency, and potential license action.
See how Lincoln's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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