Eighty percent of bars and night clubs are in compliance with the liquor selling regulations, said David R. Maratita, ABTC director.
He said there are establishments that continue to sell liquor to minors and serve alcohol even after 2 a.m.
Yesterday, the ABTC division conducted a workshop for night club and bar owners on Saipan to “find out the extent of the violations and the basis of the management for selling liquor at an inappropriate time.”
The workshop had 60 participants, Maratita said.
“We intend to find ways how to improve the cooperation between the establishments and the division in the enforcement of the law that aims to benefit the public and to promote the safety of the community,” he said.
By October, he said, his division will conduct another workshop for the retailers of alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
The issue of minor consuming alcohol is another concern, but Maratita believes it could be minimized.
The ABTC regularly conducts presentations in schools regarding the enforcement of the laws on cigarette and tobacco consumption and prohibition, he said.
Students, he added, are “very receptive” and have been providing the ABTC with important information regarding stores that sell liquor to minors.
He said the ABTC, in collaboration with the Community Guidance Center, has been conducting forums in schools since 1998.
