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House OKs bill to lower age of staff allowed to handle alcoholic drinks
The House of Representatives on Monday passed a bill lowering the age requirement from 21 to 18 years old of employees who are allowed to handle and serve any alcoholic beverages at any on-sale establishment.
House Bill 19-104, authored by Rep. Antonio P. Sablan (Ind-Saipan), passed with 19 affirmative votes with one dissension from Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan).
The bill states: “Business establishments, most especially restaurants that are licensed to serve alcohol, provide work opportunities for individuals who are 18 years of age.”
However, current law limits employees who are 18 years of age from performing certain duties and eventually getting hired because they are not allowed to handle alcoholic drinks.
“The Legislature further finds that for employment purposes it would make sense to allow employees who are 18 years of age to serve and handle alcohol,” the bill stated.
H.B. 19-104 amends 4 CMC Section 5565 (Minor: Mixing or Serving Prohibited) to read, “A license, his agent or employee shall not permit any person under the age of 18 years to mix or serve any alcoholic beverages at any on-sale establishment.” The bill now heads for the Senate for action.
