The Ministry of Interior and Police gave in to the owners of colmadones, the open-air corner bars in the DR. The grocery stores-turned bars now can sell alcoholic beverages after midnight beginning on 22 December until 1 January 2009. As part of an ordinance passed by the Ministry, colmados must adhere to certain security measures as well as controlling noise levels and not obstructing traffic around their establishments. Up till now, only indoor discotheques and bars have been authorized to stay open after midnight.