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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Chavez Decrees Dry Holy Week

Ban on booze aimed at drink-fueled accidents, inspires secret imbibing

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(Newser) – No Easter imbibing, decrees Venezuelan president and socialist icon Hugo Chavez. Chavez has instituted a Holy Week liquor ban in restaurants to combat the hundreds of drunk driving deaths that occur during holidays in Venezuala. While some citizens applaud his boldness, others say they cannot follow their fearless leader quite this far.

The ban enforces teetotaling after 5 p.m. and any time on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.  Meanwhile, the clandestine exchanges that have sprung up are reminiscent of prohibition-era speakeasies in the nation Chavez most abhors, the United States.

Venezuela's Colorful Hugo Chavez talked to Barbara Walters last month. Now he's banning booze for Easter.
Venezuela's Colorful Hugo Chavez talked to Barbara Walters last month. Now he's banning booze for Easter.   (Getty Images)
In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks during a meeting with businessmen, unseen, at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, Monday, April 2, 2007. Chavez warned that his government could take over private hospitals if they continue raising prices for medical care. In...
In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks during a meeting with businessmen, unseen, at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, Monday, April 2,...   (Associated Press)
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