Private business sector leaders criticized the Costa Rican government for interfering with individuals’ and businesses’ right to chose the transportation service they wish to use as police continue to crack down on Uber drivers.

Alonso Elizondo, executive director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, is critical of a recent warning by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) to businesses offering incentives to their clients who use Uber – such as hotels and restaurants who provide a discount to those traveling on Uber – and businesses with other types of promotional deals that involve Uber.

He said the government’s stance to apply fines of between ¢4.2 million and ¢17 million to businesses who use Uber services or promote them was a “difficult and unsustainable” stance and “a strange application of the law.”

According to Elizondo, such attempts to prohibit the use of Uber, a private transportation service, goes against free and open commerce because, “It is an activity between private entities, where the government does not have the power to intervene.” Elizondo said that his agency uses Uber and will continue to do so, as such transactions are of a private nature.

He also argued that the current administration has been characterized by intervening in areas that are not within its competence. “What the government should do is regulate and legalize Uber’s operation.” Elizondo said.

Isabel Vargas, president of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur), said it is fair for the government to charge taxes on such services as Uber, but that it is not ok that they interfere with companies or individuals using Uber’s services

“There is a principle of freedom of commerce that can not be restricted…There is no ban on any hotel or restaurant to make use of Uber, nor is it prohibited for citizens to use such,” said Vargas, who said that Chamber will send a letter to both the MEIC and the Ministry of Finance.

Franco Pacheco, president of the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep) said that he is concerned to see the government failing to assume a proactive stance by developing policies to allow for the smooth entry and operation of Uber and similar types of companies in the country, most of which have said they are willing and happy to comply with the country’s laws and tax procedures.

“Uber is a worldwide trend; we must work to curb entrenched interests who are persecuting people who are only looking for a source of income in light of the lack of job options in the country,” said Pacheco, referring to groups who are protesting Uber.