Commerce updates ABTC merchants on new rules

The Department of Commerce Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control Division, in partnership with the Community Guidance Center, pose together during an outreach with over 80 businesses during the 2017 Alcohol & Tobacco Merchant Education Workshop this week. (Contributed Photo)

The Department of Commerce Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control Division, in partnership with the Community Guidance Center, reached out to over 80 businesses during the 2017 Alcohol & Tobacco Merchant Education Workshop this week.

Out of the 100 invitations issued to managers and owners of licensed retail establishments engaged in the sales of alcohol, tobacco and betel nut products, the workshop was attended by 83 participants, who engaged in productive discussions about the serious repercussions of alcohol and tobacco sales to minors.

ABTC director David R. Maratita stated that the workshop aims to educate and train the participants on the importance of reducing, if not eliminating, the use of alcohol, tobacco and betel nut products by youth in the CNMI.

“The program also targets the updates of laws, and the critical issues of retail stores selling alcohol, tobacco and betel nut products and the emphasis in combating and preventing the use these products by minors under 18 years and 21years of age,” he said.

Commerce Secretary Mark O. Rabauliman noted that ABTC began requiring earlier this year all licensed shops and other establishments to submit monthly sales reports of their alcoholic beverages and tobacco product. 

The new requirement took effect in January this year and the deadline of submission is every 15th day of the next month for Class-2 tobacco merchant retailers, Class-3 On-Sale, Class-4 Off-Sale, and Class-7 Special Liquor Licenses.

ABTC emphasized that monthly reports apply to establishments that fall within the four classes of retailers but that the same requirement will only be required of Class-8 (casino license) and Class-9 (e-gaming license) retailers upon full implementation of their respective licenses.

According to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, educational outreach on current regulations is vital to ABTC operations and compliance.

“From safeguarding our ports and commodities to ensuring the safety of our community with their purchases, I recognize the importance that these trainings have on our retailers. Continuing these outreaches serve as a deterrent to activities that would be harmful to both the business community and the general welfare of the Commonwealth. I am pleased that businesses continue to engage in responsible practices and I hope to see an increase in participation throughout our entire Commonwealth,” Torres said.

Rabauliman said the knowledge and understanding of alcohol and tobacco regulations has increased, which has been instrumental in enforcement efforts.

Public Law 17-83, which prohibits alcoholic beverage sales to minors, states that the first offense is a $1,000 fine and one-year imprisonment with community service, $3,000 and three years imprisonment for the second offense, and a $5,000 fine and five years imprisonment for the third offense.

“As an annual exercise, we want to ensure that establishments comply with regulations and public laws to protect our community and to educate retailers on their responsibilities,” Rabauliman said.

If you or any person has information of any illegal sales or any person aiding a minor to obtain, possess, or consume alcohol and tobacco products, contact 664-3065 or 323-6560. (PR)