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First Lady and Ta’ita’itama Prevent Underage Drinking Committee applaud passage of Underage Drinking Act
First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono, along with the Ta’ita’itama Prevent Underage Drinking Committee, celebrate the passage of the Underage Drinking Act which was signed into law by Governor Togiola Tulafono on April 25, 2008.
“The Underage Drinking Act is landmark legislation that marks a unified stance against childhood drinking,” the group wrote in a public announcement through the media. “Preventing underage drinking is everyone’s responsibility. All concerned parents and citizens of American Samoa must take a stand.”
The new law prohibits underage persons from consuming or possessing beer or other alcoholic beverages; prohibits consumption or possession of such beverages in certain places; and provides penalties and procedures for violations.
Under the new law, it is unlawful to consume beer or an alcoholic beverage, or to be in possession of an unsealed container containing beer or an alcoholic beverage on public roads, moving vehicles, and on or within 50 feet of the business premises holding a store license (other than establishments holding an alcoholic beverage, club, or beer tavern license).
Also included in the list of prohibited places are: any public place in any village which has, by village regulation, prohibited the consumption of beer or alcoholic beverages or the possession of unsealed containers containing beer or alcoholic beverages, in or around public school buildings or upon school grounds which includes school parking lots, public bus stops and shelter areas, and public sidewalks adjacent to public highways.
The law states that a person under 21 years old may not possess or consume beer or any other alcoholic beverage, and a violation is punishable as a class B misdemeanor.
The Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office shall adopt a pro-arrest, pro-prosecution policy for persons who violate this section of the law, and shall cooperate with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to enforce and prosecute violations of all other provisions of this chapter.
The First Lady and the Ta’ita’itama Prevent Underage Drinking Committee urge the public to “Do your part and report incidences of underage drinking, as well as stores that are selling beer to minors, and adults who are providing beer to minors, especially as we near graduation season. Together – We Make A Difference!”
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