Previous Story
Youth Congress wants stringent tobacco rules
|
Posted on Mar 03 1999
The first CNMI Youth Congress is calling for the amendment of certain provisions governing the retail purchase of tobacco and strengthen the banning of tobacco sales to minors.
Introduced by Frances Somorang, the “Tobacco Act of 1999” has increased the penalty, from $25 to $500, for violating the law that prohibits the selling of tobacco and cigarette products to individuals under 18 years old.
The person who violated the law will be required to perform 240 hours of community service.
A new sub-section was added requiring the sign which says “Tobacco sales prohibited to minors. ID required for purchase,” to be posted next to any tobacco products and near the cash register.
It also emphasized the voluntary in nature the assistance of minors in conducting undercover investigations. A written consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian should be furnished prior to the said operation.
Further, it prohibits the request for minors to witness against another underage in order to speed up juvenile delinquency proceedings over the use of tobacco or cigarette products.
In endorsing this bill, members of the Youth Congress believed that a large percentage of the youth population are able to purchase tobacco. Their access to this prohibited drug comes in handy due to the lack of enforcement.
“It is also the intent of this act to help prevent the deterioration of our youth’s health. The congress finds the need to decrease the tolerance of such ignorance that has been rampant for many years now,” it said.
