Resorts in the Dominican Republic may soon find themselves no longer encompassed by the recent measures implemented by the government limiting the hours of sale of alcoholic beverages. This comes after a confession by President Fernandez that he didn't realize that the resorts would fall under the measures or the negative impact these measures would have on tourism. Currrently, the sale of alcohol is limited to midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends.

Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez said that some operators bringing tourists to resorts in the Samana province, a fledgling tourism market just starting to take off, had filed complaints about the alcohol ban.

Jimenez commented that tourists don't come here for a church life but rather to "sing, dance and have fun." Further he says the tourism industry needs to be handled differently because it is different.

Also of concern in the Samana area was tourist security. This has been addressed by designating an army general to the area with personnel, vehicles and equipment including a helicopter.