The Dominican Union of Nightclubs is not happy that the new authorities at the Ministry of Interior & Police are controlling their activities. Indeed, the night club union issued a warning on Wednesday, 2 October 2024 that its members will take to the streets in protest if the current wave of business closures continues. This response follows the “Operation Guarantee of Peace” led by the Ministry of Interior and Police, now under Minister Faride Raful, which has resulted in the temporary shutdown of numerous entertainment venues.
In the past four weeks, at least 30 nightclubs affiliated with the union have been closed, leading to what they complain are millions of pesos in losses and jeopardizing the livelihoods of numerous workers in the sector.
During the most recent enforcement actions, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Directorate (COBA) intervened in 34 establishments over four consecutive weeks. Among the reasons for closure are sound pollution, obstruction of public roads, sale of alcoholic beverages outside permitted hours, noise pollution, and the presence of firearms.
Recent operations targeted various areas, including Villa Mella, Los Guaricanos, and Sabana Perdida in Santo Domingo Norte, as well as neighborhoods in San Cristóbal such as Hatillo, Madre Vieja Norte, Barrio Nuevo, La Piña, Nigua, and Haina.
While the businesses are complaining, on social media and in the press, the comments about the actions are positive as they are bringing relief to many neighborhoods.
The Ministry of Interior & Police has a new minister, former National District senator Faride Raful. Her predecessor, Jesus (Chu) Vasquez attempted to control the nightclubs, but eventually caved in to business pressures and desisted from several efforts to bring law and order to neighborhoods. He was appointed consul general in New York City.
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Noticias SIN
3 October 2024