Mexico City will temporarily bar alcohol sales at convenience stores, grocery shops and supermarkets in central districts from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday to cover Mexico’s World Cup match with the Czech Republic. Bars and restaurants are exempt. The move follows massive post-match celebrations after Mexico’s win over South Korea — when officials say more than 700,000 people gathered and crews removed about 40 metric tons of waste — and aims to curb unlicensed street sales and public drinking.
Mexico City Imposes Temporary Alcohol Sales Ban Ahead Of Mexico-Czech World Cup Match
People gather at the Monument of Angel of Independence to celebrate Mexico’s victory over Korea in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 18 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Ian Robles/Eyepix Group/NurPhoto via AP)
Mexico City will impose temporary restrictions on alcohol sales in parts of the capital beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and lasting until 7 a.m. Thursday, authorities said. The measure is timed to cover Mexico’s World Cup match against the Czech Republic at Mexico City Stadium and is intended to prevent a recurrence of last week’s large-scale street celebrations.
Where The Ban Applies
The restriction bars alcohol sales at convenience stores, grocery shops and supermarkets in sections of central Mexico City — notably the historic downtown, Zona Rosa and long stretches of Paseo de la Reforma, areas that draw big public crowds around the Angel of Independence. Bars and restaurants are exempt and may continue to serve customers.
Why Authorities Acted
Officials said the move follows celebrations after Mexico’s win over South Korea when more than 700,000 people converged on central avenues, resulting in widespread public drinking and heavy littering. City crews later removed an estimated 40 metric tons of waste from the historic center, authorities said.
Enforcement And Public-Safety Measures
During match hours, authorities plan stepped-up enforcement against unlicensed street sales of alcohol and stricter policing of public-drinking prohibitions. The city has emphasized crowd control and public-safety measures to reduce disorder while allowing organized viewing and hospitality at licensed venues.
Reuters reported the restrictions on Tuesday. Officials said the temporary limits are a targeted step to reduce street drinking and litter while the city manages large-scale public gatherings during the World Cup.
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