Some may have seen it coming, but many people were surprised by late Wednesday afternoon’s news of a ban on the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages as St. Maarten goes to the polls today, Thursday. While the so-called “dry law” used to be a tradition during elections, that is a long time ago.
Most early complaints regarded the short notice, with the temporary prohibition going into effect at 6:00pm, soon after local media received the relevant press release. No immediate reason was given either why to reintroduce this measure now, other than “in the interest of public order and safety, and to prevent undue influencing of voters.”
The latter suggests votes can be bought with booze or perhaps voters intimidated by drunken political supporters, although there was no evidence of such widespread practices certainly around the voting bureaus four years ago. In fact, little alcohol-related trouble during elections has been reported in the recent past.
Exemptions include visitor-accommodations, the airport and harbour, but only for non-residents. How this rule will be implemented in practice was questioned, as locals visit the country’s resorts and gateways too.
Keep in mind that the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM has been strengthened for the occasion (see related story) with 10 officers each from Curaçao and Aruba plus four out of Bonaire. It is not known whether they will be actively involved in enforcing the ban, but this could prove more of handful than realised.
Local restaurants and particularly bars were hit hard by the late announcement and several saw no choice but to shut their doors. They might even have to consider remaining closed until the prohibition ends at 6:00am Friday.
Government made this decision despite an uproar when the same step was taken at the height of the COVID-19 restrictions on movement and gatherings. That would indicate a strong belief it’s necessary.
