Introduced by Rep. David M. Apatang, R-Saipan, House Bill 16-199 authorizes the Department of Commerce, the Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General’s Office to go after businesses engaged in improper selling or reselling of products obtained from the military store, which is for active duty, reservists, retirees and their dependants only.
A military veteran, Apatang said this “black market” for troop store merchandise is hurting local businesses and risking AAFES membership.
The store prohibits its authorized customers from purchasing for the purpose of selling, exchange and transfer of the products, or using exchange merchandise to produce income and purchasing on behalf of a private organization.
Those who are re-selling AAFES goods, Apatang said, sell them at much higher prices.
The bill stated that there is no measure that allows prosecution of this activity.
The bill aims to punish those who take advantage of their privileges and “jeopardize other businesses.”
Apatang recalled that this was the reason why the Saipan Chamber of Commerce opposed the commissary sale held on island in the past.
Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, said AAFES products should also not to be purchased for political fundraising or any similar activities.
He wants this prohibition included in the bill.
Once the bill becomes law, the licensee, his agent or employee convicted of re-selling troop store merchandise will be found guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined $1,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than 90 days.
Violations will also result in the revocation of licenses. If convicted two or more times, the licensee will be found unfit to hold the license for five years.
