The trick is to look the barman in the eye and give a short, emphatic nod as you order a Coke. Discreetly, the rum tumbles in and discreetly you toast the barman, your accomplice in crime.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has banned alcohol in the week leading up to Easter to try to cut the number of drink-driving related accidents that soar during the holiday exodus for the beach.
For Venezuelans, by some measures Latin America’s biggest boozers, the edict has resounded like a clap of thunder. ‘Revolution? Fine. But with this Chávez has gone too far. This is just crazy, it’s extremism,†said a 55-year-old who asked not to be named.
Normally, the motorcycle courier embraced the president’s efforts to usher in a socialist revolution, including land reform, the nationalisation of certain industries and rhetorical assaults against the United States. When it came to the dry law, however, this self-professed ‘chavista†was a counter-revolutionary. ‘It’s the holidays and, if I want to drink, I’ll drink.â€
Many view the ban as bold and enlightened. ‘I’ve never liked Chávez but this is a good move. Driving at this time of year is to take your life in your hands,†said Veronica Castejon (32), a Caracas saleswoman.
The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday and between now and then it is illegal to sell alcohol after 5pm. Obtaining a drink after sunset, however, is not so hard.
Many of the bars and restaurants still open this week continue service as usual, though with a wink. —