Yucatán’s state government has announced longer liquor sales hours just in time for the holidays.
The extension comes into effect on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The new regulations mean that until Dec. 31, the Sunday 5 p.m. cutoff time at convenience stores and liquor shops will be extended to 10 p.m. — in line with other day of the week.
This is meant to combat the illegal after-hours sale at inflated prices at underground shops known as clandestinos.
The serving times in restaurants and bars, however, will remain unchanged, though these regulations tend to be much more lax.
State and municipal police forces have also announced that they will increase the number of sobriety checkpoints inside cities and along highways to combat drunk driving.
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Driving under the influence of alcohol results in being held for 46 hours and a fine of up to 20,000 pesos if the driver scores 80 points or above on breathalyzer tests.
From 60 to 79 points, the driver receives an infraction ticket, and another person has to drive the vehicle home.
“We are calling on all citizens to exercise moderation, as accidents of all sorts typically increase during the Christmas holidays,” said Carlos Lorenzo Montero Ávila of Mérida’s municipal police.
Other alcohol-induced accidents during the holidays include injuries caused by firework explosions, which can lead to serious injury and death.
