Dry Law Abolished by Costa Rica´s Administrative Court

Dry Law Abolished by Costa Rica´s Administrative Court

For decades the Costa Rican Municipalities have had the power to ban the sale of alcohol during religious and other holidays.  However last month, the Administrative Court has finally abolished their rights to decide whether the sale of alcohol can be permitted or not during the national and Catholic holidays, except for Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

The new ruling came about in response to a joint complaint filed by the National Tourism Chamber and the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels.  In their arguments they claimed that the long held “dry law” enforced by the 81 municipalities in Costa Rica, caused unnecessary and excessive economic losses during the high tourist season, with the businesses of hotels and restaurants most affected.

Hotels Chamber President Gustavo Araya was said to be delighted by the outcome, but Karen Porras, the executive director of the National Union of Local Governments, expressed bitter disappointment over the ruling.  Porras believes the decision is more in response to special interests and constitutes to a setback for the independence of Costa Rica´s municipalities.

Previously the “dry law” forbade the sale of alcohol during Easter and Christmas with many municipalities banning liquor sales on election days and such sectarian holidays as Independence Day.  No alcohol could be sold within 400 meters away from churches and schools with all advertising prohibited.  Even the supermarkets were required to take alcohol down from their shelves with all bars closed for business during the designated holidays.

Many Gringo´s would find a way around the laws however, with bar owners shutting the front door and keeping the side door open for customers.  As one bar owner once said in response to the alcohol ban, “Busted? The fine is about $2 (USD). The last time they (police) came in I gave them, ¢2500 colones ($5 USD), and told them … this is for this time and for the next time it happens”.

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