Interior mayors continue crusade for maintaining  dry law

After issuing a harsh statement against the relaxation of the dry law, The  Association of Panama Municipalities (Amupa) stepped up the pressure on President, Laurentino, Corrizo, nut they lacked the support of the country’s biggest city.

Ampu sent a letter to the President asking him to better analyze the measure to lift the ban. Julio Vivies, mayor of Montijo, Veraguas, and president of Amupa, said that the municipalities are not in a position to face the problems presented by the sale and consumption of alcohol. He said they hope that Cortizo “understands that these practices, “will raise  the contagion curve of the coronavirus.”

The Minister of Commerce and Industries, Ramón Martínez, said that “the sale of liquor has a low incidence on contagion”, so the decision was made to gradually relax the dry law.

Panama City mayor, José Luis Fábrega, had already stated that he will abide by the Executive’s measure since limited purchase is established for moderate consumption at home.

With the country on lockdown through the weekend  supermarkets were preparing for the new provisions that will likely further stimulate a rush of customers on Monday.

The decree that relaxed the dry law published in the Official Gazette ., indicates that it can only be sold in retail and in closed containers. In addition, only one six-pack of beer or one bottle of wine or one of liquor of any kind can be sold to one person.

A restaurant delivering food to your home can only include one drink per order.

During the Friday conference on Covid-19,  Health Minister Rosario Turner warned last that if a breach of the gradual easing measures is observed, the ban will return.