By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Ministry of Health has ordered the indefinite functional closure of a recreational facility for municipal employees in Pavas, citing a critical failure to operate with a valid Sanitary Permit of Functioning. The shutdown highlights a significant lapse in regulatory compliance by the Municipality of San José, which manages the center.
The enforcement action was carried out on Friday, October 10, 2025, effectively halting all activities at the establishment. The official closure order, documented in act MS-DRRSCS-DARS-P-AC-12-2025, was executed by Adriana Vargas, a representative from the local Health Governing Area. The ministry’s decision leaves the facility inoperable until the municipal government can rectify the serious administrative and public health violations.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal requirements and implications associated with the Sanitary Permit, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional analysis.
The Sanitary Permit is far more than a simple procedural step; it is the fundamental legal authorization that certifies a business’s compliance with public health and safety standards. Many entrepreneurs fail to realize that operating without one, or with an expired permit, exposes them not only to significant financial penalties but also to immediate business closure and potential civil liability. Ensuring this permit is correctly processed and always current is a critical, non-negotiable aspect of risk management.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial, reframing the Sanitary Permit from a simple administrative task into a foundational pillar of business integrity and public safety. This perspective is essential for any entrepreneur aiming for long-term success and responsible operation. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise.
Officials confirmed that the measure is not arbitrary but is firmly rooted in Costa Rican law. The Ministry of Health invoked several key pieces of legislation to justify the closure, including the General Health Law, the General Law of Public Administration, and the General Regulation for Authorizations and Permits. These statutes collectively mandate that all establishments, public or private, must secure and maintain a valid sanitary permit to ensure they meet essential health and safety standards for operation.
The term “indefinite functional closure” signifies that the center is prohibited from reopening its doors for any purpose until it successfully navigates the administrative process to obtain the required permit. This involves submitting a formal application, undergoing rigorous inspections, and proving to health authorities that all deficiencies have been corrected and the facility is in full compliance with national health codes.
The consequences for defying the closure order are severe, carrying both financial and criminal penalties. According to the official notice, any attempt to operate the facility in violation of the order would trigger a fine of ₡462,200, an amount equivalent to one base salary in the public sector. This financial penalty serves as an immediate deterrent against non-compliance.
Beyond the monetary fine, municipal officials risk facing grave legal repercussions. The official directive warns that ignoring the order could lead to a formal complaint filed with the Public Ministry for disobedience to authority. This criminal offense carries potential prison sentences ranging from six months to three years, underscoring the gravity of defying a public health mandate.
Disobedience. Imprisonment of six months to three years will be imposed on anyone who does not comply, or enforce compliance, in all its extremes, with an order issued by a judicial body or by a public official in the exercise of their functions, provided that it has been personally communicated, except if it concerns one’s own detention.
Official Government Directive
In response to the shutdown, the Municipality of San José has signaled its intention to address the issue. Henry Alfaro Arias, an assistant within the mayor’s office, acknowledged the need for urgent action. He stressed the importance of creating a corrective strategy to resolve the permitting failure and restore the facility to legal operational status.
It is imperative that we initiate a remedial plan to address these findings and bring the facility into full compliance as swiftly as possible.
Henry Alfaro Arias, Assistant to the Mayor’s Office
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the Ministry of Health’s authority and its commitment to upholding public safety standards across the board. The closure of a government-run facility demonstrates that no entity is exempt from regulatory oversight. For the employees who utilized the center and the municipal administration, the path forward now depends entirely on their ability to promptly meet the legal requirements they previously overlooked.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the principal government body in Costa Rica responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight. It works to protect and improve the health of the population by setting sanitary standards, controlling diseases, and ensuring the safety of public and private establishments throughout the country.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipality of San José:
The Municipality of San José is the local government entity responsible for the administration of Costa Rica’s capital city and its surrounding districts. It manages a wide range of public services, including infrastructure maintenance, waste collection, urban planning, and the operation of public recreational facilities for its employees and residents.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Public Ministry:
The Public Ministry of Costa Rica, also known as the Fiscalía General de la República, is the autonomous institution responsible for public prosecution. Its duties include investigating criminal offenses, directing the judicial police, and representing the interests of the state and society in legal proceedings to ensure the application of justice.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience across diverse industries to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law for the public, actively contributing to a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
