The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Today marks the end of the Zapote holiday festivities. While the event was mostly enjoyed by thousands of people with no problems, the Ministry of Health did find a few behind the scenes violations of note.
For example, 58 people were fined for smoking in the exhibition area of Zapote during the two weeks of entertainment, which was confirmed by the South Central Area Director of Health, Guillermo Flores, at 6:00 this afternoon.
Smokers will be charged ¢59,000 ($120), so the Ministry of Health hopes to raise just over ¢3.4 million from the fines.
According to Flores, increased fines were the result of improved compliance with the 9028 Act, which prohibits smoking in public places.
Regarding closures, only two vending machines were closed temporarily for selling contaminated food, but managed to resume operations after correcting any problems.
Besides the machines, 200 kilos of chicken and beef were seized and an additional 100 kilos in vegetables and prepared foods.
On the plus side, Flores noted that in general the health compliance of the festival were positive since there were lower levels of food contamination, noise and trash in the fairgrounds than the prior year.
Meanwhile, six bars with high noise problems were closed, although all were reopened after presenting a remedial plan. (Amelia Rueda)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica