The Dominican Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SDOT) and the Dominican Healthy Coalition (Coalición Dominicana Saludable) have joined the call made by Listín Diario for stricter controls on the sale of alcoholic beverages. Both organizations are urging that regulations regarding alcohol sales be enforced more rigorously.
The Ministry of Interior and Police, now under Minister Faride Raful has been implementing controls and has met with much resistance from business owners who defend the right to entertainment of the Dominican people and the jobs they create.
Dr. Héctor López, president of the Dominican Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, and Dr. Samuel Ramos, president of the Dominican Healthy Coalition, expressed their support for the Listín Diario editorial, which calls for action to address the high rates of violence, injuries, and fatalities from traffic accidents and violent incidents in the country—many of which involve alcohol consumption during the early hours of the morning.
The Dominican Healthy Coalition is critical of the increasing number of minors who are drinking alcohol. Acento reports that SNS records indicate that 73 minors were treated in the public health system for alcohol intoxication during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
In its editorial published on Monday, 6 January 2025, Listín Diario proposed limiting the sale of alcohol to midnight. The newspaper argues that this measure could significantly reduce the risks associated with excessive drinking late at night, which often contributes to dangerous behaviors. “This is not just an issue of social discipline; it is a matter of responsibility and respect for public well-being,” the editorial stated.
The National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores) and the National Rum Producers Association (Adopron) have also backed the liquor-selling restriction as a first step.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Acento
8 January 2025