PHILIPSBURG – “It takes a village to raise a child.” And the St. Maarten Lions Club took this phrase literally in its efforts to continue to create awareness on the potential abuse of alcohol by minors.
Each booth vendor in the Carnival Village received a sign which read: “Too Young or Too Drunk – No Alcohol.” The 85 signs remind booth visitors of the need to present a form of identification when purchasing liquor, such as a driver’s license or ID card, in the event that the bartender needs to be more certain of their age.
Article 3:53 of the new penal code is also on the signage as an affirmation: “The seller of alcoholic beverages or his replacement is punishable for serving or selling a minor (a person under the age of 18), alcoholic drinks. The offender may face a prison sentence of 6 months or a fine of NAf. 10,000.
St. Maarten Lions Club President Eldert Louisa stated: “The signs were produced in collaboration with Trakx Design, who had the challenging task of creating an attractive sign, while at the same time sending the right message, based on an existing law. The St. Maarten Lions Club remain committed to the cause of reducing the abuse of substances by minors and wishes to thank Trakx Design, the carnival booth holders, SOG and the SCDF for supporting our efforts.”
For more information about assisting the St. Maarten Lions Club with this or other community projects, visit their Facebook page or email the club at: dailyboard@sxmlions.org
Picture Captions:
- The actual poster by the St. Maarten Lions Club that was placed in all of the booths at the Festival Village.
- Some members from the St. Maarten Lions Club stand with a booth holder after the sign was placed in the booth. The sign is at the rear of the group in the picture.
