Do bars in Boca Chica really close at 12?

[billywinter]

I am confused about the alcohol laws in the DR. I will be in Boca Chica (and Santo Domingo) next month and have heard that bars are not allowed to sell alcohol after midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends? Is this the law? Is this the reality?

[DRob]

Originally Posted by billywinter

I am confused about the alcohol laws in the DR. I will be in Boca Chica (and Santo Domingo) next month and have heard that bars are not allowed to sell alcohol after midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends? Is this the law? Is this the reality?

First, welcome to DR1!

That's the law, but you'll find it's semi-selectively enforced. On some nights, in some locations, it's like a police state at curfew. Other places, they really couldn't care less. However, if you're hanging out on Duarte (the main street in BC), you'll find that everything you're looking for can be fully enjoyed long before the curfew.

That said, I'd strongly encourage you to consider changing your plans. Unless you have friends or family there or business in Santo Domingo, the Puerto Plata - Sosua - Cabarete area (along with several smaller towns collectively known as the North Coast) is an infinitely superior option. More and better restaurants, accommodations, activities, locals, and fun in general.

Either way, good luck.

DRob

[MBTS]

Originally Posted by billywinter

I am confused about the alcohol laws in the DR. I will be in Boca Chica (and Santo Domingo) next month and have heard that bars are not allowed to sell alcohol after midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends? Is this the law? Is this the reality?

I was in BC a few weeks ago and spoke with the owner of one of the busy bars. He was hanging up a sign that reported how late he would be open. I asked about this. He said the establishments can pick one nite a week to stay open later. His was Thursdays. He then said everyone ignores the law and goes well past midnite. Don't worry about getting what you want regardless. Build it and they will come!

[peep2]

My impression was that the 12 o:clock rule did not apply in areas that catered mostly to tourists. It was meant to get the honest locals off the street at a decent hour during the week to aid in lowering the crime rate and didn't apply where there were tourist police to keep an eye on things.

[billywinter]

Thanks for the info. I'm going there on a diving trip and I believe the visibility,
conditions and life are better than in the North this time of year. No wives or kids with us, so I don't care so much about the usual amenities.

[irateskateboards]

you'll find the bars on duarte close as usual 1am and 3am on weekends.but if your looking to stay out later than that there are other locations and hotel bars that stay open til your ready to leave that are safe and close to duarte also.you can ask someone or just follow everyone up the hill.i'm out all night with no problems but there is one place close to the gas station that you should use caution.not bad but just use common sense.if anything grab your beer and friends and finish the night off in your hotel.
have a great trip!