Sales of e-cigarettes and nicotine products to minors continued to rise in 2020, according to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.
The percentage of vape product sales to minors during compliance checks in 2020 rose to 13.5%, almost double the 7.25% recorded in 2019. There was also a 1.5% increase in sales of other tobacco products to minors.
Effective Oct. 1, the Nebraska Legislature changed state law to raise the legal age to possess tobacco and vapor products to 21 from 19.
The Health Department works with the Lincoln Police Department and Lancaster County Sheriff s Office to identify stores that have been making illicit sales, which could include an adult buying vape products for a minor.