Although the clubs on Saipan do not allow individuals under 21 into their establishments, scores of minors have slipped through the fingers of the “tough” bouncers guarding the entrances.
A regular “club-goer,” who asked for anonymity, said he is 18 years old but have bought drinks regularly. He has also seen bartenders serve minors simply because he or she knew them.
But sports bars allow people below 18 to enter and some are good at keeping alcohol away from those who are under 21.
But for those between ages 15 and 17, are bars and clubs the safest place for them? Parents say they want the Department of Public Safety and the Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control to raise the penalty for establishments violating the law against underage drinking.
“The penalties are already very steep but establishments are not taking them seriously because they are desperate for the money. Every year they will receive rowdy fresh-out-of-high-school teenagers who think they know it all and want it all. We parents are out of reach,” said parent Angela Bautista.
