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TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE DOC steps up campaign vs unlicensed tobacco sellers
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Posted on Aug 11 1999
With the imposition of stricter penalties regulating the sale of tobacco to minors, law enforcement agents from the Department of Commerce have been visiting stores on the island to make sure that they have the license to sell tobacco products.
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio signed Public Law 11-75 which increased the penalties on establishments selling tobacco products to minors. Businesses found violating the law face a maximum fine of $500 for second offense, suspension of license for third offense and revocation of license up to one year for fourth offense.
A preliminary inspection report by the Alcohol Beverage Control Office showed that some 326 establishments in Saipan are licensed to sell tobacco products, way below the expected number. Some 630 stores are licensed to sell alcohol. Between 30 to 40 stores are licensed to sell tobacco in Rota and Tinian.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said the department will carry out an aggressive campaign against the use of tobacco as he expressed concern on the growing number of younger people who are now hooked to smoking or chewing betel nut with tobacco.
The Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention has given the Northern Marianas some $206,608 for its tobacco program which will allow the island government to carry out its educational campaign.
CDC was impressed with the goals set up for CNMI’s Tobacco Comprehensive State Plan for 1999-2000 program year including implementation of long-term health care services for citizens in the Northern Marianas.
