QCOSTARICA – 46 of the 81 cantons so far have said they will allow the sale ofl liquor during Semana Santa. By contrast, 26 municipalities made the decision to apply the prohibition in their cantons.
The Executive Director of the Unión Nacional de Gobiernos Locales, Karen Porras, made the announcement Wednesday, explaining that the majority of the municipalities allowing the flow of liquor during the holiday are located in tourist areas.
Municiapilities that will not apply the prohibition are: Escazú, Mora, Goicoechea, Santa Ana, Acosta, Turrubares, Curridabat, Alajuela, Grecia, San Carlos, Zarcero, Valverde Vega, Upala, Los Chiles, Guatuso, Barva, San Rafael, Belén, San Pablo, Liberia, Santa Cruz, Nandayure, Hojancha, Puntarenas, Buenos Aires, Montes de Oro, Osa, Quepos, Golfito, Coto Brus, Corredores, Garabito, Limón, Pococí, Matina, Nicoya, Carrillo, Abangares, Orotina, Sarapiquí, León Cortés, Desamparados, San Ramón, Paraiso, Parrita, and Siquirres.
Municiapilities that will apply the prohibition are: El Guarco, Heredia, Santa Bárbara, San Isidro, Flores, Bagaces, Esparza, Cartago, La Unión, Jiménez, Turrialba, Alvarado, Oreamuno, Puriscal, Tarrazú, Aserrí, Alajuelita, Vásquez de Coronado, Moravia, Atenas, Naranjo, Palmares, Montes de Oca, Poás, Dota y Cañas.
The prohibition applies only to Thursday and Friday (April 2 and 3)
The municipalities not listed have yet to announce their decision.
The Ley de Licores (Liquor Act), amended in 2012, allows each municipality to decide whether or not to apply the prohibition on holidays and special occasions, such as election day.
Prior to 2012, the prohibition was nationwide.
Last year, 51 municipalities allowed the sale of liquor during Easter.
