Government extends alcohol sales hours from December 15 to January 3

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of the Interior and Police announced temporary changes to the sale of alcoholic beverages for the holiday season, effective from December 15, 2024, to January 3, 2025. During this period, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and event centers can sell alcohol until 3:00 am from Sunday to Thursday and until 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, there will be no restrictions on the sale of alcohol on the nights of December 24 and 31.

This adjustment to the existing regulations, laid out in Resolution No. ESP./001-2022, was made to accommodate the Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, grocery stores, cafes, car washes, amusement parks, and liquor stores will not be affected by this change and will continue to follow regular closing times of 12:00 midnight.

Violations of these temporary hours will result in severe penalties, including potential closure of establishments and revocation of licenses. The National Directorate for the Control of Alcoholic Beverage Sales (COBA), in coordination with the National Police, will oversee enforcement of this resolution to ensure public safety during the holiday season.