Representatives are looking at creating a law to send a stern message to local businesses who are abusing and violating federal regulations at the PX in Tafuna.
The issue came up during a discussion of the House Ways and Means Committee about reviving old revenue generating bills that were not acted on in the previous Fono session.
The discussion was led by Committee Vice Chairman Rep. Puleleiite Li’amatua Tufele Jr.
Vice Speaker and Manu’a Representative Fetu Fetui Jr. said that he raised the matter about the abuse going on at the PX before but it hasn’t stopped.
When discussing new revenues for the government he felt that there can be no real accountability because some businesses are abusing the PX privileges.
He said store owners are buying beer and cigarettes from the PX duty free and making a huge profit from reselling these goods.
The military strictly prohibits the resale of PX goods.
Rep. Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr. told the committee that he doesn’t believe that’s happening at a federal facility.
He said the PX is operated under strict federal policies.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr. said that he is aware of business owners who purchase from the PX and resell what they buy in their stores.
He said he knows because he has seen it with his own eyes but they should create a law to penalize businesses found violating PX privileges.
Rep. Vesi Talalelei pointed out that every product purchased from the PX has a special barcode and that’s what Treasury Office should be able to identify through a scanner .
