It amazes me that there are so many so called "laws" in this country that are not followed or enforced. Sometimes it frustrates you and sometimes you enjoy the freedom. More freedom is one of the big reasons I live here.
Now, they take something so innate to all Dominicans, partying, and stick a law on top of it. Monday-Friday bars and clubs till 12am and weekends till 2am. Unfortunately, this law is enforced. And the "extension" some bars get till 3am is another word for "pay off" to the local police captain.
Earlier someone mentioned they know where to go after 2am to get drinks; so does everyone else. But at 2am, when the party is getting good, you don't feel like finding the few late spots in a casino or hotel. Nightlife in Santo Domingo, for example, has turned into this huge coordination of time because you have to know when certain places close and check your watch to see if it's worth the trip. Before this stupid freakin law, you just went out and had a great time: no coordination, no worries.
I know several people who have no desire to come back to the Dominican Republic because of our liquor law. Can you imagine some tourist from Wisconsin having a great time on Avenida Venezuela in Santo Domingo and then the DJ says: Ok, 2 am, bar's closed. Or worse, some cops comes to them in a plaza and says they can't drink in public. Tourists from developed countries deal with these limitations in their hometowns, they don't expect to deal with them on a small Caribbean island on vacation.
This is another opportunity for the police to get more bribe money and it is another ass backwards move to reduce tourism to this country.