The operation was conducted by the Juvenile Justice Task Force under the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws program.
The following stores failed the compliance checks and were issued citations: CYA Market, KB Market, David Market, Sunrise Market and San Antonio Supermarket.
The following stores passed the compliance checks: Islander Mini Mart, Sunleader Supermarket, Blue Sky Super Market, New World Market, Sister Market, LKR Retail Store, YZL Store, Han Nam Market, ABCD Market, KL Market, and Shell Koblerville. All compliant retail establishments received congratulatory notices recognizing the efforts of the establishment and their employees in complying with the law.
The Juvenile Justice Task Force held a town hall meeting at the Pacific Islands Club on April 16 promoting the education and enforcement of underage drinking laws. Participants consisted of representatives from the retail stores in these areas (Koblerville and San Antonio), policymakers, youth, parents, and community members. A similar meeting was also held at the Aqua Resort Club on April 6. These meetings were part of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws activities for the month of April consistent with the Alcohol Awareness Month.
The task force is actively enforcing CNMI underage drinking laws. Therefore, the task force is reminding the general public that selling, giving, or serving alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 (minor) is a serious offense, as well as minors purchasing, consuming or in the possession of alcoholic beverages. Both may result in fines and imprisonment for a year.
Training in selling and serving alcoholic beverages responsibly is available at no cost. Although it is not mandated by law, the task force highly encourages licensed retailers to take advantage of this training in an effort to prevent or reduce the sale of alcohol to minors. Training may be requested to be conducted at the place of business. Please contact 664-3065 and request to make an arrangement.
Members of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Task Force involved in this operation consist of officials from the Department of Public Safety, the Attorney General’s Office, Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control Division, the Criminal Justice Planning Agency, and the Department of Public Health-Community Guidance Center. The Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws program is supported by federal funds under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program through subgrant awards from the Criminal Justice Planning Agency.
