Rough week for retailers: Compliance checks and THC crackdown hits multiple Nebraska counties

LINCOLN, Neb - Nebraska authorities are sending a clear message to retailers: whether it’s underage sales or questionable labeling, noncompliance will be met with enforcement.

Over the past few weeks, the Nebraska State Patrol has conducted a series of alcohol and tobacco compliance checks across multiple counties. Working in partnership with local public health agencies, investigators checked nearly 200 businesses statewide, including restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and convenience stores. Of the 92 businesses checked for alcohol compliance, nine were found to have sold alcohol to minors. Similarly, tobacco compliance checks in four counties resulted in six violations out of 93 businesses inspected. Violations are referred to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, and clerks may face citations for selling to minors.

Meanwhile, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has expanded his office’s crackdown on synthetic THC products. Following a multi-agency investigation, cease and desist letters were issued to stores in Grand Island and Kearney accused of selling mislabeled or unlawful THC-containing products. According to the Attorney General’s Office, over 95 percent of products tested in the recent sweep were found to be incorrectly labeled, with many appearing to be marijuana marketed as hemp.

Retailers who fail to comply may face litigation and penalties under Nebraska’s deceptive trade practices statutes.

Though the investigations stem from separate agencies and regulatory frameworks, they converge on a common concern: ensuring that businesses selling controlled or age-restricted substances are doing so responsibly and within the law. In many Nebraska communities, the same storefronts hold both tobacco licenses and retail space for synthetic THC products—placing them at the center of both efforts. In some cases, businesses that fail tobacco compliance checks could now see their licenses further scrutinized as the state’s efforts against unlawful THC distribution continue.

The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission continues to offer Responsible Beverage Server Training at no cost to help businesses stay in compliance. More information is available at rbst.lincoln.ne.gov.

Attorney General Hilgers has also voiced support for legislative efforts, including LB 316, aimed at cleaning up what he describes as a growing illegal marketplace of mislabeled and potentially dangerous synthetic cannabis products.

With enforcement efforts escalating city by city, and compliance operations ongoing, retailers across Nebraska are being reminded: accountability is not optional.