1.   An Akita prefectural assembly member said the stricter penalties may show that Japan is catching up with other advanced nations in punishing impaired drivers.

2.   Australians have been among the most vocal proponents of improved detection and stricter penalties for performance-enhancing drug use.

3.   A Kochi prefectural official said many residents praised the stricter penalties.

4.   But the actions fell short of stricter penalties that could have been imposed, which Bank of New York officials described as a relief.

5.   Companies also faces the possibility of a decline in sales as a result of stricter federal penalties for retailers who sell cigarettes to minors.

6.   Consider that Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a respected nationwide organization that works diligently to impose stricter penalties against motorists who drive while impaired by alcohol.

7.   Outraged by her case, residents made it the focus of their successful struggle to get stricter penalties for child abusers, and tougher regulations of prisoners.

8.   Several rape victims gave emotional testimony Tuesday in support of stricter penalties for possession and use of the drug Rohypnol which their attackers allegedly used to incapacitate them.

9.   Similar bills in the House and Senate propose stricter penalties for those caught importing and distributing ecstasy.

10.   The industry also faces the possibility of a decline in sales as a result of stricter federal penalties for retailers who sell cigarettes to minors.