By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

The Bureau of Public Safety launched a Task Force to monitor establishments that allegedly sell alcohol to minors.
Bureau of Public Safety Director Hazime Telei in a statement said it will strictly enforce the Presidential Proclamation which declared April as Alcohol Awareness Month.
Telei said a special task force, headed by Detective Lt. Aloysius Alonz of the Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) has been formed to ensure that establishments will comply with the law against " selling, providing and contributing to alcohol consumption by minors.
Telei said that since the operation of the task force a total of 13 business establishments have been issued citations for violation of the law against providing alcohol to persons under 21 years old.
Telei said he would not reveal the names of the establishments yet but he said that he will soon, to deter other stores from selling alcohol to minors.
"The business community and the general public is urged to ensure compliance with the established laws pertaining to alcohol sales and use by minors and tobacco sales to minor as the Bureau of Safety will continue to be aggressive in policing establishments or persons found to be non-compliant," the statement said.
The statement further urged the public to contact the BPS at 4882412 for any information on any establishments or persons violating the law.
He said that the ministry is vowing to protect the youth and one way to protect their future is to help minors stay away from alcohol.
Telei said he would continue this effort until establishments comply with the law.