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Election alcohol ban lifted for tourist establishments
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Posted on Nov 01 2008
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday signed into law a bill exempting major tourist establishments from the alcohol ban during elections.
The new law lifts the prohibition on drinking and selling alcohol on Election Day for the local airports, hotels, hotel resorts, and golf course resorts.
Fitial said the legislation will help the tourism industry by removing an obstacle to the ability of the CNMI visitors to enjoy their vacation. However, he urged lawmakers to further amend the law to also exempt Managaha Island from the alcohol ban.
“In addition to the airports, hotels, hotel resorts, and golf courses, most tourists visit Managaha Island during their stay in Saipan. [A visit] to Managaha Island normally is an entire day’s event, which includes enjoying island cuisine, and, at times, alcoholic beverage in addition to the various marines sports and our beaches. …Exempting Managaha Island from the prohibition will not hamper the election activities of our citizens,” Fitial said.
Election law requires an alcohol ban to be in effect from 7am to 7pm—while polling places are open—on the day of an election. Anyone caught selling or buying liquor could be fined up to $1,000 or sent to jail for up to 100 days in prison, or both.
The Legislature, in the amending legislation, notes that the purpose of the alcohol ban is to prevent conflicts from escalating between party camps during elections. However, it argues that tourists visiting the Commonwealth during an election should not be restricted from buying alcoholic beverage, as they are not involved with local political affairs.
The new law, sponsored by Rep. Rosemond Santos, also says the ban deprives the tourism industry of much needed revenue. “This is an industry that the CNMI has been largely dependent on for its economic growth for the past 30 years. Thus, our tourists’ visit within the CNMI should not be hampered in any way,” states the legislation.
