Santo Domingo – In a strategic move to regulate festive celebrations, the Dominican Ministry of the Interior and Police has enacted Resolution MIP-RR-0009-2025, temporarily extending alcohol sales hours throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The special provisions will remain effective from December 10, 2025, through January 5, 2026, specifically designed to manage nightlife activities during the peak holiday season.
Under the revised operational framework, establishments including nightclubs, bars, restaurants, private clubs, event venues, piano bars, and casinos may continue alcohol service until 3:00 AM from Sundays through Thursdays. The extension expands until 4:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, with complete removal of time restrictions on December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day).
Minister Faride Raful provided crucial clarification that the extended hours exclusively apply to entertainment venues, while grocery stores, supermarkets, cafés, car washes, amusement parks, water parks, and dedicated liquor stores must maintain their standard closing time of 12:00 midnight as stipulated in Resolution ESP/001-2022. Enforcement will be rigorously implemented by the National Directorate for the Control of Alcohol Sales (COBA) with operational support from the National Police. Establishments found violating the regulations face severe penalties including immediate closure and potential license revocation.
Complementing the alcohol sales adjustments, the government has deployed an extensive security apparatus comprising over 27,000 police and military personnel nationwide. Minister Raful emphasized the shared responsibility approach, urging citizens to exercise moderation and responsible behavior during celebrations. Additionally, the Ministry reminded the public that the firearms license renewal process remains available until December 31 under the current grace period.