Beaches in Panama West Summer 2023

New rules for Beaches in Panama West including established hours from 6 am to 6:30 pm for those accessing it by bus. 

Here are the new Panama Beach rules and the Pacific beaches in Panama they affect

Update: The governor of Panama Oeste, Sindy Smith , annulled the decree that limited the use of the beach in that province from 6 am to 5 pm

The new decree establishes a schedule from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm for concessionaires, transporters, public transport drivers or promoters who carry out activities for recreational purposes.

Source Foco Panama

The new decree regulating the use of beaches in Panama west, will be imposed in all 5 districts of Panama west. 

The 5 districts in Panama West are: 

- Capira 

- Chame 

- La Chorrera 

- San Carlos 

With the majority of beach traffic populating in Capira, Coronado and San Carlos the national police intends to create checkpoints in these areas to stop buses from accessing the beaches and rivers outside of the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

The Rules for Beaches in Panama West are as follow: 

- the National Police will not allow the passage of buses or school buses that make trips within that area to use the beaches outside of the hours of 6:00 am and 6:30 pm

- Entry and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the beaches, rivers, lakes and other spas for public use within that province is prohibited. However, businesses with permits can carry out said activity in their respective premises are excepted from this measure.

Why is the government restricting access to beaches in Panama West?

Roberto Rodríguez, chief of police for Panama West explained that the measures will be in force all summer operations in an effort to reduce crimes including homicides, robberies, thefts, domestic violence and injuries with weapons.

Tourism board speaks out against the restriction of access to beaches in Panama 

Changes to the decree came after the National Chamber of Tourism issued a statement in which it stated that these regulations not only affect tourism, but also Panamanians themselves. The entity recommended that, instead of applying restrictions police presence be reinforced.

Also publicly speaking out against the first decree was Eduardo Leblanc, 
the defender voiced his stance against the law explaining that it "violates the free use and enjoyment of the beaches,” which he continued would be grounds to present an appeal of unconstitutionality to the Supreme Court.