Remengesau signs two new laws

The law said that the new hours will allow ample time for the citizens and the visitors to enjoy Palau’s nightlife.The new law also prohibits the serving of alcohol during the hours when it is most likely that patrons will get drunk.“This restriction is a common-sense response to the increased alcohol related incidents that have occurred since the cabaret hours were expanded in 2003,” Remengesau said.The second measure signed into law was the measure that increasing the penalties driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.“Effective immediately, those who are convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol and narcotic drugs must be imprisoned at least one day, fined up to $1,000 have his and or her driver’s license suspended for one year,” Remengesau said.The new law also requires the convicted felon to perform community service for no more than 60 hours.Second conviction within two years mandate a minimum of 20 days in prison and a fine of up to $2,500 in addition to suspension of the driver’s license for two years and as much as 120 hours of community service.It added that a person convicted the third time within two years of the second conviction will be jailed for at least 90 days and may be fined up to $5,000.A third conviction will also mean revocation of the driver’s license and 200 hours of community service for the felon.The law also stated that any person convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license under the new law will be subjected to imprisonment of one year a fine of as much as $1,000 or both.The new law also penalizes the felon with community service of up to 80 hours and the license shall be revoked for an additional two years.The court may also order the offender to participate in drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs and I hope that this power exercised regularly as chronic substance abusers should receive help.“Palau is a small nation and all of us have been touched by the serious injuries or loss of life to friends or loved ones involved in accidents caused by intoxicated drivers,” the president said.He added , “ this new law is a step in the direction of fighting back against the tragic consequences of substance abuse. Thank you for working with me to help our people avert further harm, and for deterring and punishing those who drive while intoxicated.”The president said that in the new law on cabarets and clubs schedule the statute will help the country’s fight against alcohol abuse and crimes.“But we must realize that our laws can only achieve so much. The irresponsible use of alcohol tears at the fabric of our community and it is our community that must come together to stop it. I ask each and every Palauan to be responsible in their own use of alcohol, and to take responsibility to help those who maybe alcohol abusers. Working together , we can reduce the destructive effects of alcohol on our nation,” Remengesau said.