I believe this is the case in some countries, Cambodia being one if I recall correctly.

I remember being there during an election, in theory none of the bars/pubs were meant to open because they didn't want people just taking the day off to get drunk. However being in a tourist spot, the bars who served the foreign travellers were open... just everyone was drinking their beer out or mugs.

Apparently this was sufficiently respecting the spirit of the law for business to continue as usual.