Cancun, Q.R. — Authorities in Cancun began inspections of city clubs Monday to verify the new municipal operating hours. In May, Cancun City Council passed modifications to various articles of the government and Police Ordinance regarding the operating hours of commercial and service establishments.
Those affected are mainly establishments who sell alcoholic beverages. The modifications were made in order to preserve public order, citizen security and the tranquility of Cancun families, Cancun Mayor Paty Ana Peralta said in May with the passing of the modification.
“This stems from an agreement reached by the State Roundtable for the Construction of Peace and Security in Quintana Roo, with Governor Mara Lezama and the other mayors. We support this proposal, which will primarily reduce excessive alcohol consumption during the last hour of operation,” she explained at the time.
The bar and restaurant modifications were announced May 29. They were put into effect June 15. “Explicit operating limits are set for restaurant-bar and bar businesses, restricting their operation until 2:00 a.m. in urban areas and until 3:00 a.m. in tourist areas.
“This measure seeks to establish a balance between the economic development of these businesses and the development of the community in conditions of health, safety, and tranquility,” she reported in a statement.
On Monday night, municipal authorities began verifications to make sure clubs and restaurants abided by the new hours. A joint operation led by the Directorate of Inspection and Public Security personnel was deployed to various locations throughout the city.
Personnel paid visits to bars and nightclubs in the city center as well as in the Cancun Hotel Zone where the closing hours differ. The visits Monday night was to remind businesses about the city’s new hours. Spot inspections will be ongoing and random. Businesses who fail to comply could be fined or have their licenses pulled.
