Public and private institutions met last week to prepare for Easter, a week of massive travel by Dominicans to the beaches. The Comisión Coordinadora del Operativo Semana Santa 96 decided to take several measures to organize accident prevention and assistance for visitors to Boca Chica beach, which traditionally receives thousands of city goers. A ruling now prohibits alcoholic beverages being sold on the beach and the taking of glass bottles onto the sand. It also prohibits the erection of tents for political propaganda, the carrying of guns, or bathing from the beach after 7 pm.
The rum companies will be allowed to set up their promotion tents, outside the beach area, but they must sell their drinks in plastic containers. It also indicates that the volume of the music played will be controlled by the authorities and there will be an area set aside for the sale of food and beverages.
Participating in the scheme are the Asociación Pro Desarrollo de Boca Chica, Defensa Civil, the Ministry of Tourism, National Police, and the Municipality of Santo Domingo. The Navy, Tourism Police, the Santo Domingo Fire Brigade, Comité de Defensa de Boca Chica, and the Zona Franca Industrial de Boca Chica, as well as the general managers of hotels of the area and representatives from the three main rum companies, Brugal, Barceló and Bermúdez are also taking part.