Drinks curfew lifted in time for thieves happy hunting season

Just a day after Panama police warned of a December increase in crime, the city mayor signed a decree allowing the  seasonal lifting of a rule introduced to help combat crime.

Bosco Vallarino has given permission for bars discos and night clubs to continue serving drinks beyond the stipulated hours on 7, 8, 24, 25 and 31 December 2011 and January 1, 2012.  The so called “carrot” law was introduced to help reduce crime.

The decree signed by Bosco says that nightclubs may operate full-time  so thatPanamanians and foreigners can celebrate the traditional holidays (Mother's Day, Christmas and New Year) without a curfew. 

However, the mayor asked the public to maintain “order and justice"

On Monday. December 5, the National police warned that the holiday season is happy hunting time for thieves and con artists, and warned citizens to be especially wary.