Representative Juan José Rojas requests extension of the hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages during Christmas

Santo Domingo.- The deputy Juan José Rojas, representative of the Santo Domingo province for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), submitted to the Chamber of Deputies a resolution by which he requests the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, to instruct the Ministry of Interior and Police to extend the hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages in “colmados” (small grocery stores) until 1:00 a.m. throughout the Christmas period. Furthermore, the legislator requests that days without time restrictions be established on December 24, 25 and 31, as well as January 1. Rojas based the initiative on the economic and social importance of the “colmado” in Dominican culture. Rojas highlighted that the “colmado” is one of the essential pillars of the popular economy, as it supports thousands of jobs, allows immediate capital circulation, facilitates neighborhood credit, promotes micro-enterprises, and sustains community commerce.

“Grocery stores and large grocery stores are a daily source of income for families, entrepreneurs, and micro-entrepreneurs. Their dynamism strengthens the local distribution chain, moves inventories, generates daily sales, and keeps the local microeconomy alive,” he said.

The deputy indicated that it would be a temporary measure, during the Christmas season and organized, in which citizen order is preserved. For that reason, the resolution urges the Ministry of Interior and Police to maintain the criteria of supervision, operational control, inspection and corrective measures when there is a risk to public safety. “We request the President to authorize this flexibility while maintaining controls. The local economy can be strengthened without sacrificing public order: if there is disruption, the Ministry maintains its power of regulation and sanction,” he affirmed. The congressman explained that Christmas is the most active commercial period for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, and that the neighborhood stores are a direct part of that economic fabric that guarantees daily income, community employment, food supply and commercial activity in the neighborhoods. Rojas pointed out that this request seeks to multiply the Christmas economic flow, support the community entrepreneur, and boost local commerce, allowing neighborhoods to participate in the seasonal benefits without exclusion.

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“The country is activated from the local communities. When a grocery store sells, a family earns; when a family earns, the economy moves. That is the real basis of Dominican economic dynamism,” he maintained. The deputy reiterated that this is a direct request to the President of the Republic, formulated with responsibility, with a security focus, and with respect for the regulatory authority. The resolution was received and will be forwarded to the relevant committee for consideration.