OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A local tobacco-free advocacy group says 100% of businesses they checked in La Vista did not sell tobacco or vaping products to minors during a compliance check operation carried out this month.
Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands (T.E.A.M.), the group that carried out the operation, said this was the first effort of its kind to be carried out by the group since the legal age to purchase tobacco and vape products went up to 19. The age to purchase those products was raised by the passing of Nebraska Legislative bill LB149.
T.E.A.M. said they are proud of area businesses doing their part to keep tobacco out of the hands of people under 19 years of age.
“It is important that tobacco retailers check identification properly, they are one of the most important links to preventing illegal sales of tobacco products to youth. We congratulate the retailers in La Vista for refusing sales to minors. ” stated Autumn Sky Burns, Sarpy County Coordinator for T.E.A.M.
