Zona Colonial Hospitality Businesses Seek Consensus on New Alcohol Sales Law

The Association of Bars and Gastrobars of the Colonial Zone (Abzocol) has urged Dominican authorities to launch a broad dialogue aimed at drafting a new law regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages, following a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the association said the deadline established by the court provides an opportunity to create a modern, balanced, and sustainable legal framework that offers legal certainty to both the government and businesses involved in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Industry Calls for Broad Participation

Abzocol said it supports the creation of a new law, provided that it results from an inclusive consultation process involving all stakeholders in the sector.

The organization said discussions should include importers, producers, distributors, retailers, bars, gastrobars, restaurants, tourism industry representatives, government agencies, and other organizations connected to the sale and responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.

According to the association, a participatory approach would help balance public safety, community coexistence, economic development, tourism, and job creation while avoiding unilateral decisions that could reduce the competitiveness of the hospitality sector.

Colonial Zone’s Tourism Role Highlighted

Abzocol emphasized that Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone is one of the Dominican Republic’s leading cultural and tourism destinations. As a result, the association argued that any legislation affecting commercial activity and nightlife should recognize the unique characteristics of the historic district while also considering the interests of its residents.

The group reaffirmed its willingness to work with the National Congress and other state institutions to develop legislation that promotes responsible alcohol consumption, strengthens the hospitality industry, and supports the country’s sustainable economic development.

Constitutional Court Sets 2028 Deadline

The appeal follows a ruling issued Tuesday by the Constitutional Court, which declared Decree No. 308-06, governing alcohol sales hours, unconstitutional. The court concluded that restrictions of this nature must be established through legislation enacted by Congress rather than by executive decree.

Although the decree was declared unconstitutional, the court ordered that it remain in force until July 2028, giving the National Congress time to draft and approve a new legal framework regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages in the Dominican Republic.