Election Closings

[rpjr]

Hi

Can anyone tell me what closings are during elections. I heard that all bars and restaurants had to close from September 24th at 6pm Thursday until Saturday at 6 am unless it was in the hotels. Is this also true for stores and supermarkets. Thanks for any help.

rpjr

[fattypatty]

if it is, then that's some draconian measure they're placing on their citizens. what happens if there's an emergency - you can get access to anything?

[~Amy~®]

I'm here in Aruba right now and we've been here before during the elections in 2005.

You cannot buy liquor in the grocery stores and some of the bars will be closed. However, all of the hotel bars/restaurants as well as the touristy restaurants will be able to serve alcohol but only to tourists, not locals, on Sept. 25th (election day.)

[lizzardo]

But - just a "mention" - just because the booze is not sold doesn't mean that people will have "stocked up" before it.


If I were vacationing on that day - i'd make it a beach day.

Been here for elections last time and now this time - This
election is very important than last time so emotions
might be a little high.

[Jarubian]

Just a wustion for someone who is never been there on Election, and was going to be there, and has friends who are there.

Why they close lots of places and why not serve alcohol? Thank you so I know for the future.

[fattypatty]

perhaps the citizens go crazy with political fever - demonstrations, violent protest, etc????

[~Amy~®]

Originally Posted by Jarubian

Just a wustion for someone who is never been there on Election, and was going to be there, and has friends who are there.

Why they close lots of places and why not serve alcohol? Thank you so I know for the future.

Because people from opposing parties will be at the same bars, drinking....conflicting views with alcohol is not a good mix and fights ensue. I've asked a couple of locals here and all have told me the same thing.

[Robbert]

Officially an employer has to give his employees half a day off to go vote. Some close the stores full day, some close in the afternoon. To be on the save side buy groceries thursday or friday morning at the big supermarkets. Island touring on this day will be difficult as everywhere there will be people sheering for their party and traffic will be jammed. The hotel strip will not be affected by this i guess, also if you go north to arashi and behind the lighthouse it will be quiet.

I dont expect really big problems, but as said before discussing about politics and drinking at the same time does not really get you anywhere. Imagine Barack Obama and John Mccain discussing drunk at a townhall meeting.....

[Andrea J.]

wow that'd be cool. i'd bring a big box of popcorn and get comfy and enjoy

robbert welcome to the forum!
andrea

Originally Posted by Robbert

where. Imagine Barack Obama and John Mccain discussing drunk at a townhall meeting.....

[Retagger]

What I have observed so far is many cars driving around the island with huge flags for their political party attached to their cars. It has been very peacefull and orderly. Each political party have been hosting street parties with live bands.

It is good to see politics in action.

Regards,

PS. The weather has been hot and the beers have been cold....