Bar Sales Down Due to
Tougher Drunk Driving Law And Economic Crisis
Bar owners and the Cervecería Costa Rica have shown concern over the
drop in sales of alcohol due to the tougher drinking and driving
sanctions of the Ley de Tránsito and the economic crisis.
Gisela Sánchez, director of Relaciones Corporativas de la Cervecería
(Corporate Relations) said that "people, to avoid going to jail if
caught drinking and driving and add the economic situation, are
drinking less."
The Cervecería has already taken measures. Last week, Florida
Bebidas, parent of the Cervecería announced the layoffs of 136
employees due to slow sales.
At the Fábrica Nacional de Licores (national liquor factory), is
weathering the storm, getting hit hard in the short term, but will
bounce back. Claudio Aguilar, manger of the FANAL said there has
been a change in habits, consumption of liquor in the bars has
dropped, but sales at liquor stores and supermarkets has risen,
attributing the changes to the Ley de Tránsito.
Aguilar, however, added that the economic crisis could affect sales
at liquor stores and supermarkets as well, as people start cutting
back.
Bar owners across San Jose all say they have felt the effects of the
new Ley de Tránsito. Although the average sales are down 15% to 20%,
some bars report drops as great as 40% and more.
The new Ley de Tránsito lands drunk drivers (any driver with a
breathalyzer reading of 0.75 or more) straight to jail, without
passing go and stopping for blood test.
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