Challenges in Enforcing Alcohol Sales Regulations: A Descriptive and Correlational Study of Store Owners in Pagadian City

This study investigates the challenges in enforcing alcohol sales regulations among store owners in Pagadian City, Philippines, focusing on their awareness and compliance with Presidential Decree No. 1619, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors. Using a descriptive and correlational research design, data were collected from 150 store owners through a validated questionnaire-checklist. The study assessed demographic profiles, levels of awareness, and compliance with the decree. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were female (70%) and aged 36 and above (46.7%). Store owners demonstrated a high level of awareness (weighted mean = 4.18) regarding the law, but compliance was only moderate(weighted mean = 3.21), indicating a gap between knowledge and adherence. A Spearman rho correlation test showed a moderate positive relationship (ρ = 0.734, p = 0.021) between awareness and compliance, suggesting that increased awareness positively influences compliance, though other factors such as financial incentives, age verification difficulties, and fear of losing customers also play a role. The study concludes that while awareness is high, compliance remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, including regular enforcement, training programs, and fact sheets on liquor laws, to bridge the gap and improve adherence to alcohol sales regulations.