Bill would impose sweeping changes over alcohol sales

SANTO DOMINGO.- The Executive Branch sent the Alcohol Sale, Control, Supply and Consumption bill to the Senate, which imposes sweeping changes on businesses including those in tourism regions, which must obtain a license from the Interior and Police Ministry for this purpose.

The businesses which don’t have a specific permit for the sale, supply and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from doing so. “To preserve public tranquility, areas of public service for the sale, supply and / or consumption of alcoholic beverages in open or closed containers will be established in licensed premises.”

Each license would specify the service area for the public, with the location, size, notices, signs and other requirements for each facility determined by the regulation.

The use as customer service area, such as spaces set aside for parking, corridors, hallways and other access and exit areas, or public thoroughfare will not be allowed.

Licenses will be issued by categories, according to the business and the working hours. The general schedule will from 8am to 12 midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2am Friday and Saturday.