Prevent Underage Drinking

Red background with bold text reading ‘Check Twice. Serve Right.’ Next to the text is a yellow bottle and teal glass icon, representing alcohol service.

Protecting Our Youth
Starts at the Counter

Underage drinking is increasing in Nebraska, and alcohol retailers play a crucial role in combating this issue. Selling alcohol to minors is not only risky but can also lead to serious legal consequences and harm the communities we serve.

Every ID check is important. Understanding and adhering to alcohol laws is essential, so take a moment to double-check. One small step can prevent a significant mistake.

By refusing a sale to a minor, you are not just following policy—you’re protecting your business, team, and, most importantly, our youth. This is about more than compliance; it’s about doing what’s right.

What One Missed Check Can Cost You

Offense

Consequences
First Offense A fine or a 15–25 day license suspension
Second or Subsequent Offense Store closure (2–15 days), licensee suspension, higher fines
Individual Seller (Employee or Owner) Up to $1,000 fine and possible jail time

Don’t gamble your job, store, or your future—know what’s on the line.

At a Glance

Can you spot the difference? A single missed detail can cost you everything.

In Nebraska, vertical IDs are issued to minors and horizontal IDs to adults to make identification easier. Always check the orientation of the ID before completing a sale. One quick glance can help prevent a major mistake.

Side-by-side ID cards. Left: red background with a vertical ID labeled ‘Under 21’ and a red X, meaning minor—do not serve alcohol. Right: blue background with a horizontal ID labeled ‘Adult’ and a green check mark, meaning adult—okay to serve alcohol.

Sources:
alcohol.org – Supplying Alcohol to a Minor
Criminal Defense Lawyer – Crime Penalties
Nebraska Liquor Control Commission – Penalty Guidelines

Tips, Tools & Resources

If you’re looking for tips on how to keep minors safe from underage drinking, you’ve come to the right place. There are many resources below for you to use to help kids live long, happy, and healthy lives.

This resource-rich site also features ways for you to easily find local support, contact us and learn more about the Region V Prevention Network.

Alcohol & Drugs

This calculator shows the latest birthdate someone could have to be 21 years old today—useful for checking legal age for drinking or other age-based rules.

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Alcohol & Drugs

CDC gives you key info on the risks of underage drinking in your community—giving you the tools to keep our youth safe.

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Alcohol & Drugs

Learn how teens commonly access alcohol and what you can do to limit it. This FTC guide offers practical steps to help keep alcohol out of teens’ hands.

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Alcohol & Drugs

FTC’s We Don’t Serve Teens campaign offers tools to help prevent underage drinking by limiting access to alcohol from minors.

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Alcohol & Drugs

This guide breaks down Nebraska’s alcohol laws, including age limits, sales hours, and penalties, helping you avoid costly mistakes and remain compliant.

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