Dominican Republic Court strikes down 2006 alcohol‑sale decree, sets two‑year transition
The Dominican Republic Constitutional Court ruled that Decree 308‑06, issued in July 2006 by President Leonel Fernández to limit the hours of alcohol sales in bars, colmados, discotheques, casinos and other night‑time venues, is unconstitutional because such permanent restrictions must be enacted by law, not by executive decree. The court ordered a two‑year transition period during which the 2006 decree will continue to apply while Congress drafts a new legislation.
Government Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful said the state will respect the ruling, keep the decree in force for the transition period and work with Congress and civil society to create a modern, balanced law. The Court’s president, Napoleón Estévez Lavandier, clarified that the executive may still impose temporary restrictions in specific circumstances.
The Bar and Gastro‑Bar Association (ABZOCOL) called for inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders to shape the future law, while the Fundación Equidad y Justicia Social (Fejus) urged Congress to act urgently. Public opinion is divided, with some citizens favoring regulation for public safety and others fearing economic harm.
The court’s decision gives Congress up to two years to pass a law; otherwise the decree will lapse after that period.
Entities: Decree 308‑06 · Dominican Republic Constitutional Court · Faride Raful · Leonel Fernández · Napoleón Estévez Lavandier · National Congress of the Dominican Republic · Víctor Eddy Mateo Vásquez
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Court ordered that the decree will remain in force for a two‑year transition period after notification. (Court order)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ruling was issued in sentence TC/0689/26 on 28 July 2026. (articles 4 and 5)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The decree restricted the hours for sale of alcoholic beverages in shops, bars, discotheques, casinos and similar venues. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Regulation of such matters must be enacted by a law passed by the National Congress, not by a decree. (Court reasoning)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Dominican Republic Constitutional Court declared Decree 308‑06 unconstitutional. (Court ruling)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Decree 308‑06 was issued in July 2006 by President Leonel Fernández. (Decree issuance)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The decision followed a direct action of unconstitutionality filed by citizen Víctor Eddy Mateo Vásquez. (all articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Court urged Congress to enact legislation on alcohol‑sale regulations within two years. (Court urging)
- [● 5 SOURCES] President Napoleón Estévez Lavandier said the executive can still impose temporary alcohol‑sale restrictions in specific circumstances. (Court president statement)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Minister Faride Raful said the government will respect the ruling and work with Congress on a new law. (Government statement)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Bar and Gastro‑Bar Association (ABZOCOL) called for inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders to draft a new alcohol‑sale law. (Industry association statement)