"Ley Seca" Bans The Sale of All Alcohol Until Monday Night
As Costa Ricans get ready to cast their vote tomorrow, many Americans are forced to find creative ways to enjoy the Super Bowl and beer as Costa Rica began three days of no-alcohol.

The "ley seca" bans the sale of all beer and liquor at supermarkets, bars and restaurant as of midnight last night right through midnight Monday.

The tradition of banning alcohol the day before, the day of and the day after the election is giving some businesses a sore head this year, critics calling it an antiquated and useless law.

On a tour of downtown San José on any Friday night  you will find bars and discos full to the limit and then some. But last night by the stroke of midnight, those who did venture out for a night of drinking had to pack up and go home, as police began their traditional "sellando" - sealing - of liquor cabinets and beer fridges.

Restaurants like the El Fogoncito in Rohrmoser, usually packed, was quiet and somber, as staff just passed the time away waiting for the "magic" hour to hit.

Supermarkets began early to clear their shelves or block off the area where alcohol is sold. Restaurants and supermarkets can stay open so long as they maintain the alcohol areas sealed off, Bars, however, must close and some bars didn't open at all last night.

Drinking in private homes is allowed, but the alcohol must have been bought before the law came into effect.

Some tourists at beach town like Jacó could be seen shaking their heads, with a puzzle look on their faces, wanting to ask the question why. Bars along the Jacó strip were brimming wit customers, but by midnight the law cooled the party more than the heavy rain.

The "ley seca" was introduced in Costa Rica in 1952, and is common in many Latin American countries. It aims to encourage a high turnout at the polls and to prevent any pre-ballot fighting between rival supporters, chief election official Hector Fernandez says.

But some argue the law is outdated, and businesses that cater for a mainly tourist clientele - and thus non-voters - say they are being unfairly penalized.

Today, people are more educated and they can talk about politics without fighting. The Club Colonial casino, for example, in the centre San Jose, will only be serving food and non-alcoholic drinks during the Super Bowl. Many other favourite American hangouts will be doing the same.

Some hotels have set up backrooms for their guests only to watch the Super Bowl, where alcohol is said will be served. Hotels guests can enjoy the "private" party, paying an entrance fee, where alcohol can be consumed but not sold.

Resorts say their guests who have already paid for alcohol as part of an all-inclusive package deal will still be served their drinks.

Others, like Mac's in La Sabana will close all together.

Critics of the law say that the law was created in the "old days" when Costa Ricans were less educated and mixing liquor and politics sometimes became dangerous and fatal.

Many Ticos will now tell you that Costa Ricans are more educated and fighting over politics is less and less, especially in an election like this one, that has been dull from the start.