City council passed new city ordinance in September

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    In September, the Imperial City Council approved Ordinance 25-09-02, which makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to use, possess, or obtain tobacco, vape, or nicotine products within city limits.
    Minors under 21 may not use, purchase or possess: Cigarettes, cigars, or tobacco in any form. Vape pens or e-cigarettes, or any alternative nicotine products.
    Important note: Anyone under 21 found in violation of this ordinance may be immune from prosecution if they provide information that leads to the conviction of the person who sold or gave them the product.
    This ordinance is more restrictive than the current Nebraska state statute, which only allows citations when a minor is actively consuming the product- not simply possessing it.
    Anyone caught selling, giving, or furnishing these products to someone under 21 is also committing an offense. This ordinance is now in effect.