Source: Establishments sold alcohol to minors

A government source named yesterday the 10 establishments whose workers landed in jail for selling alcoholic beverages to minors, or persons under the age of 21.

The 10 individuals were caught during a two-day operation conducted by the Department of Public Safety on March 28 and March 29.

On March 28, JL Market in Susupe, New ABCD Market in Koblerville, KB Market in Koblerville, Tian Market in CK-2, Green Consume Market in As Lito and Toha Market in Chalan Piao were caught selling alcohol to minors as a result of the enforcement operation, the source said.

On March 29, 2016, Ming Yang Supermarket in San Vicente, Joeten Kagman Market, Sunleader Mart in Garapan, K.S. Market in Garapan, and Hafa Adai Shopping Center in Garapan sold alcohol to minors as a result of the enforcement operation, the source also said.

The Department of Commerce on Wednesday first revealed these violations, absent the names of the establishments.

Each of the establishments will be facing $1,000 in fines, Commerce said.

In the statement on Wednesday, Commerce Secretary Mark Rabauliman said that these violations pose a major concern in the community and most importantly, the safety and well-being of the youth.

He called “most disturbing” the fact that the individuals who were arrested actually took the training provided by Commerce Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control Division on responsible alcohol and tobacco sales and services.

He said this training was tailored to certify the storeowners including their employees in ensuring that the mandatory I.D. card requirement is strictly enforced and to ensure that sales to minors do not occur.

“However, it appears that there exists a wanton disregard of law with respect to those individuals involved in the illegal sales, who now face the consequences,” he said.

Rabauliman also emphasized he would be exercising his authority to revoke the licenses from the establishments involved in the illegal sales on top of instituting a $1,000 fine.

He said in the event a decision is made to automatically revoke a license, the establishment may appeal this decision through a request for an administrative hearing that is accorded under the Administrative Procedures Act.

“I am not making this decision to hurt these businesses. However, as the secretary of Commerce, part of my duty and the administration’s objective is to ensure that are youth are safeguarded from harm that may be caused from unscrupulous business practices,” he said on Wednesday.