Earlier Last Call in Some Dominican Bars

Bars, nightclubs and liquor stores in the Dominican Republic -- once open into the wee hours -- now must close at midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends under a new government law. The early closing times don't apply to resorts that cater to foreign visitors, however.

The new law is seen as a response to incidents of violent crime; the Associated Press reports that police have been clearing loiterers from the streets of cities like Santo Domingo after the bars shut down with warnings against public drinking. But police also have been accused of hitting up late-night drinkers for illegal "fines."

Some Dominicans have turned to underground clubs to keep the party going later, others go home, while island hospitality officials complain about the impact of the law on their bottom line.