Vendors operating commercial stands at the periphery of Chapala’s waterfront Malecon will be prohibited from selling hard liquor as of next year, according to city hall business license chief Luis Ernesto Lopez Amavizca.
The ban on booze takes effect on January 7, 2013, giving around 40 merchants a last chance to cash in during the Christmas holiday season. After that, they will have to scale back to selling non-alcoholic drinks and nothing stronger than beer and Micheladas, the popular brewski cocktails akin to Bloody Marys.
Lopez says strict measure conforms with state law prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places. It is also intended to ensure a more wholesome family environment in the city’s prime tourist zone.Zero tolerance on public consumption will be applied equally to other open recreational areas and doorsteps at neighborhood stores. Visitors intent on liquoring up will have to belly up at licensed eateries and watering holes.