In a minor supervisor meeting on Friday, Mike Meyar of the Council on Substance Abuse Prevention Program discussed with the store owners in Ngerkesoaol and Patrol Division Chief Ismael Aguon ways that could prevent drinking by minors in the country.
Meyar said that underage drinking has been a problem in Palau and can only be reduced or eradicated through joint efforts of the community.Aguon reminded store owners that under the law it is a violation to sell alcoholic beverages to minors.He said that store owners have the responsibility to ensure that it is not selling liquors to minor at the same time he reminded that distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places is also a violation of the law.“If you are part of the solution then how can you be part of the problem,” Aguon told store owners.He said that stores can be shutdown if found to be violating the law.Meyar said that store owners in Ngerkesoaol were specifically called to a meeting because it is a high crime area.Aguon said most of the crimes reported in were alcohol-related.Meyar said the community effort with the help of the law enforcers will ensure that the store owners are also protected from any retaliation. The drinking age in Palau is 21 years old.
