News - Costa Rica ban hits sports fans
Posted on October 12, 2007 in the Financial loss insurance category
A Costa Rican law banning the sale of alcohol on voting day is set to give some businesses a sore head this year.
Sunday’s vote clashes with the Super Bowl, an event that normally draws in a crowd at the many bars and restaurants favoured by ex-pats.
The so-called Dry Law is in force from Friday through to Monday - those who break it could face fines or even jail.
Bars must close, but restaurants and supermarkets can stay open as long as they seal off their alcohol areas.
Drinking in private homes is allowed, but the alcohol must be bought before the law comes into effect, from midnight on Friday.
Financial loss
The law - which was introduced in Costa Rica in 1952, and is common in many Latin American countries - aims to encourage a high turnout at the polls and to prevent any pre-ballot fighting between rival supporters, chief election official Hector Fernandez says.
But some argue the law is outdated, and businesses that cater for a mainly tourist clientele - and thus non-voters - say they are being unfairly penalised.
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 Today, people are more educated and they can talk about politics without fighting  Eddy Barrientos
bar manager |
Commerce and tourism account for about 60% of the country’s GDP.
The Club Colonial casino in the centre of the capital, San Jose, will only be serving food and non-alcoholic drinks while the election for the new president takes place.
Last year, 200 people turned out to watch the Super Bowl. The casino’s food and beverage manager, Adrian Vira, expects half that number this year.
“Of course we will lose money,” he told the BBC. “When you have 200 people drinking alcohol over the course of six hours, they are spending a lot of money.
“We made maybe US$5,000 (2,810) last year. This year, I expect we will make at least US$3,000 less.”
He says he knows of many Americans who plan to travel back to the US for the weekend so they can enjoy a beer while watching the game.
‘Re-think time’
Mac’s American Bar in San Jose - normally a popular place on Super Bowl day - is closing altogether for some maintenance and cleaning even though, as a restaurant, it is entitled to stay open, the Tico Times newspaper reports.
“I know my clients; a lot of them are retired Gringos,” manager Eddy Barrientos told the paper. “They’ll have something to eat, but they also want a beer in their hand.”
He suggests it is time for a re-think of the law.
“This law was created in the old days, when Ticos (a common name for Costa Ricans) were less educated, and mixing liquor with election day was dangerous,” he said.
“Today, people are more educated and they can talk about politics without fighting”.
However, not everyone will be forced to watch the big-screen action alcohol-free.
Some hotels and restaurants are getting round the ban by holding a ticket-only “private party”.
And a number of resorts say their guests who have already paid for alcohol as part of an all-inclusive package deal will still be served their drinks.
Originaly from Source
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