Para añadir un inciso (g) al Artículo 7.04 de la Ley 22-2000, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley de Vehículos y Tránsito de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de disponer que se prohíba la venta de bebidas alcohólicas a toda persona que resulte convicta por manejar bajo los efectos de bebidas embriagantes, drogas o sustancias controladas, establecer que dicha prohibición se refleje de forma visible en la licencia de conducir o identificación oficial por términos de seis (6) meses, tres (3) años o cinco (5) años, según la convicción, y establecer penalidades a la persona que adquiera, reciba o posea bebidas alcohólicas durante el término de dicha prohibición; enmendar las Secciones 5050.15 y 6042.14 de la Ley 1-2011, según enmendada, conocida como el “Código de Rentas Internas de Puerto Rico de 2011”, para requerir la verificación de identificación en toda venta de bebidas alcohólicas y establecer penalidades al comercio que venda bebidas alcohólicas sin verificar la licencia o identificación oficial o a personas cuya identificación refleje una prohibición de venta; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill restricts alcohol sales to DUI-convicted drivers for 6 months to 5 years, visibly marked on IDs, requiring all retailers to verify identification and face penalties for violations.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

This bill would prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), with the prohibition period (6 months, 3 years, or 5 years) clearly marked on their driver's license or official ID. It also amends Puerto Rico's tax code to require all alcohol retailers to verify identification before every sale and establishes penalties for both violators and businesses that sell to prohibited individuals.

Why is this important

DUI convictions represent a significant public safety concern in Puerto Rico, and this measure aims to create a secondary enforcement mechanism beyond license suspension. By marking prohibited individuals' IDs and requiring verification at point-of-sale, the law attempts to reduce recidivism and alcohol-related incidents, while also creating accountability for retailers who currently may have limited incentive to prevent sales to repeat offenders.

Potential points of contention

Privacy and proportionality concerns: Permanently marking someone's official ID with a visible prohibition may raise privacy questions and could facilitate discrimination beyond alcohol purchases (employment, housing, social stigma)

Implementation and enforcement challenges: Requiring ID verification for every alcohol sale increases operational burden on retailers and may be difficult to enforce uniformly, particularly in informal or small establishments

Due process and rehabilitation: Fixed prohibition periods (especially 5 years) may be viewed as overly punitive and could conflict with rehabilitation philosophies; individuals' circumstances may warrant case-by-case consideration rather than blanket prohibitions