Q COSTARICA — After years of debate, setbacks, and legal arguments, legislators on Monday night approved, in its first reading, a bill that will allow alcoholic beverage companies (i.e., beer companies) to sponsor sporting events and display their logos on the jerseys of soccer teams and other sports.
The plan was introduced in the previous Assembly by then-legislator Daniela Rojas of the PUSC party, and this Monday it received the support of 41 legislators, while 10 deputies opposed it.
However, sponsorship of clubs only applies to teams with members of legal drinking age, meaning that lower leagues in any sport will not be allowed to display advertising for alcoholic beverages.
If the plan receives approval in its second reading and is not challenged by the Constitutional Court (Sala IV), teams like Alajuelense and Saprissa, as well as any other First Division club, will be able to display a beer or liquor brand on their jerseys.
“The purpose is to provide greater clarity in the content of the project and strengthen the mechanisms so that resources reach those who need them more efficiently and effectively,” said Royner Mora, former Minister of Sport and legislator for the ruling party, the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), referring to a substitute text that is being worked on.