Mayor of Panama Bans Sale of Alcohol on 9 January for Martyr's Day
In commemoration of the patriotic deeds of January 9, 1964, the Mayor of Panama under Decree No 341 of January 3, 2011 suspended the sale of alcoholic beverages in the capital district, as well as the playing of bands and music. The decree as published in the Official Gazette states that the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in supermarkets, stores, night clubs, bars, and all other places starting at 12:00 midnight on Saturday, 8 January until 12:00 midnight on Sunday, 9 January 2011. People who do not comply with this measure will be sanctioned by the Mayor, Justices of the Peace, or the night judge in the District of Panama, and fined from $100 to $1,000 dollars. (Dia a Dia)
Editor's Comment: 9 January is "Martyr's Day" in Panama - marking the deaths of those who were killed in the riots of 9 January 1964. This event was the catalyst which eventually culminated with the Torrijos-Carter treaty of 1977 and the return of the Panama Canal and the Canal Zone to Panamanian control. It's a good day for all members of the English speaking expatriate community to keep a low profile - because if there are still any radical anti-gringos out there, this is the day they will come out of the woodwork. And for the record, I have an original copy of this Life magazine in my personal collection.
