by Nick Delgado

Guam - Bill 389, introduced by Senator B.J. Cruz, proposes to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. But local businessman Mark Baldyga, president and chief executive office of Big Services (the company that owns and operates the Sandcastle), proposes lawmakers press pause on the measure until such time the business community can come together and to take an informed position on the matter.

Baldyga told KUAM News, "The primary concern is that there seems to be a absence of discussion about all of the pro and cons rather just a one-sided, emotion-based legislation being rushed through with out a really good solid discussion of all the issues." Baldyga also wrote to members of the Guam Legislature expressing his concerns.

While the businessman say he isn't completely opposed to the measure, he does say it would not fix the real problem of drinking and driving because most tourist stay in Tumon a use taxis as a mode of transportation. He also cites a possible loss of revenue to the Guam economy.

"In a recent Guam Visitors Bureau exit survey, 8% of tourists interviewed were opposed to raising of the drinking age and 3% were strongly opposed, 9% of arrivals equals 34,000 people at $1,100 spent per person that could mean a $40 million impact, which basically equates to several hundred jobs."

Whether or not the bill will be up for discussion during the Legislature's next session will be determined on Monday. The Committee on Rules will meet at 3pm at the Legislature's hearing room and will adopt an agenda for the upcoming session set for Tuesday June 29.