Alcohol and Tobacco Inspectors Danny Mad and Thomas Rumong issued citations to a minimart in Ngerbeched and a store in Aimeliik for selling tobacco and alcohol without a valid license.
The citations were issued on May 12 during the inspection.Inspector Mad said the establishments will be fined $200 each for their respective violations.ABTPC has cited a total of eight establishments already since March.Three establishments including a Chinese store were cited in March for violations. The Chinese store was cited for manufacturing rice wine without a license.In April, three establishments were cited for selling tobacco to minors.Inspector Mad in an interview yesterday said that there are over 300 establishments operating business in Palau which is in compliance with the law.He said aside from these over 300 licensed establishments, there are still some which are not in their list and are not in compliance of the law.Mad said they are now checking all establishments to identify which store or establishment has license to sell tobacco and alcohol to the consumers.ABTPC is also in charge of inspecting nightclubs and bars at night to ensure that they are in compliance of the no selling of alcohol after 2 am law.The inspectors monitor the nightclubs with the police officers.Mad said each bar or nightclub is mandated by the law to hire a bouncer who will ensure that costumers leave the premises before 2 am.The bar or nightclub is mandated to close at 2 am and anyone who will be found inside the premises still drinking at 2 am is already in violation.
