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ABC Board cracking down on non-compliant beer vendors
 Local vendors with licenses to sell alcoholic beverages are being carefully monitored by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board whose members are not hesitant to hand down punishments that include license suspension and even criminal prosecution.
ABC Board chairman Nuutai Sonny Thompson has reminded all store owners that alcohol is not to be consumed within 150 feet of any store. He said that there have been too many instances whereby people were purchasing alcohol and drinking them near store parking lots and in the surrounding area.
According to Nuutai, alcohol is not allowed to be brought in or taken out of any taverns, nightclubs, and restaurants.
“This is the law,” Nuutai said. “No alcohol is to come in to or go out of any of these places.”
Any vendors who do not comply with the rules and regulations are warned that the ABC Board does not take lightly to noncompliance, which includes selling alcohol after 10 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, selling alcohol at any time on Sunday and Election Day, and selling alcoholic beverages to people under 21 years old.
First time offenders will be suspended for 30 days, while a 60-day suspension will be imposed on second time offenders.
Third time offenders will have their license revoked and could face an even harsher punishment like possible prosecution.
“We have suspended stores in the past, depending on the circumstances,” Nuutai pointed out, adding that they are not hesitant to impose the proper punishment on any businesses that disregard the law.
In addition to Nuutai, the ABC Board consists of six members that are required by law to meet quarterly (every three months).
However, meetings are held more frequently “because we can’t afford to wait for three months at a time,” Nuutai said, referring to the fact that there are close to 150 vendors including stores, restaurants, and nightclubs on island that are licensed to sell alcohol.
“We are doing what we can to accommodate the public to ensure that everyone is safe,” Nuutai concluded.
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