CANCUN, Q. ROO – Don’t Panic, Party People! Hotel Zone Exempt from Election Day Alcohol Ban. Planning to sip a margarita by the pool in Cancun this Sunday, June 1st? Go right ahead! While the rest of Cancun will be observing a temporary alcohol sales ban due to local elections, the vibrant Tourist Zone has been given the all-clear to keep the good times (and the drinks) pouring.
This Sunday, an “election dry law,” locally known as ‘Ley Seca,’ will be in effect across much of Quintana Roo. This means most stores and establishments in urban Cancun will pause alcohol sales from the wee hours of Saturday morning (00:01 May 31st) until the last minute of Sunday night (23:59 June 1st). The idea is to help ensure a calm and orderly atmosphere for folks heading to the polls.
But here’s the sunshine for our visitors: the State Government has confirmed a special exception for businesses in designated tourist areas that have the proper alcohol licenses, specifically restaurants and restaurant-bars. So, if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone or other tourist hotspots, your plans for a celebratory Sunday dinner with wine, or a refreshing beer with your beachside lunch, are still very much on the table!
José Julio Villarreal Zapata, the head honcho of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Cancún, shared that they worked with officials to make sure the ban, for most businesses outside tourist zones, primarily focuses on Sunday. He said this move is a “boost” for local eateries, because let’s face it, a good meal often comes with a complementary drink! He also gave a friendly reminder for everyone to enjoy responsibly and stay safe.
Meanwhile, in the urban parts of Cancun, locals are getting ready for their “dry” Sunday in a rather spirited way! Since Wednesday, supermarkets and convenience stores have seen a flurry of activity. Shoppers have been spotted with carts piled high with everything from the classic six-packs of cerveza to entire cases, not to mention bottles of tequila, rum, and whiskey. It seems some are stocking up for private get-togethers, others for their own small businesses, and many just for personal enjoyment.
Convenience stores are practically building towers of beer slabs, complete with signs reminding everyone about the upcoming “Ley Seca.” They’re not missing a beat, though, with plenty of promotions to entice shoppers. Think “buy a six-pack, get two free” or “free mixers with your favorite spirits.” Employees at these spots are rubbing their hands together, expecting a tidy 30% jump in beer sales leading up to the weekend.
So, if you’re visiting beautiful Cancun, rest assured your vacation vibes won’t be dampened. The party in the Tourist Zone continues, responsibly, of course! As for the rest of the city, it looks like they’ll be well-stocked for a cozy Sunday at home. The Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Ministry of Citizen Security will be keeping an eye on things to make sure everyone sticks to the rules.
Enjoy your trip, soak up the sun, and cheers to a great Cancun vacation!
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