Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – In a move aimed at mitigating potential economic losses for the restaurant and hotel sectors, the municipal government of Puerto Vallarta has decided to make the Prohibition Law more flexible on the occasion of the upcoming election day on June 2. This decision is crucial for an area where tourism accounts for over 90 percent of the municipality’s economic activity.
The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by interim mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil during a meeting with Martha Leticia Parra Vargas, president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac), and Alejandro Torres Magaña, manager of the Hotel and Motel Association. Other attendees included Daniel Córdova Aréchiga, Director of Padrón y Licenses; José Omar Guerra Valdez, Director of Inspection and Regulations; Christian Preciado Cázares, Director of Tourism and Economic Development; and Alfonso Pérez Miramontes, Director of Social Communication.
As per Article 300 of the General Law of Electoral Institutions and Procedures, authorities in each entity have the discretion to limit the operation of establishments serving alcoholic beverages on election day. Mayor Martínez Gil clarified that the Prohibition Law will be applied flexibly to support the vital tourism sector. Consequently, restaurants with bar licenses and hotels across the municipality, not just in the tourist zones, will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption until 11 p.m. on both Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2.
However, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited for other types of establishments, including bars, clubs, warehouses, convenience stores, and grocery stores that sell beer. Enforcement will be overseen by the Directorate of Inspection and Regulations, ensuring compliance with the established hours and restrictions.
“This is an excellent decision that has been very well received by Canirac members,” said Leticia Parra. “Many restaurant-bars would be closed on Saturday and Sunday if alcohol sales were prohibited, leaving many people without work since thousands of families depend on the gastronomic sector, which is the primary employer in the municipality. It would also inconvenience tourists who come here to enjoy themselves.”
Alejandro Torres, representing the hoteliers, echoed Parra’s sentiments, stating that a general ban would significantly harm the destination. “Thousands of tourists come to enjoy our facilities and are unaware of the electoral schedule, especially foreign visitors,” he noted.
The municipal government’s decision aims to balance regulatory compliance with the economic needs of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-dependent community, ensuring that businesses can operate and tourists can enjoy their stay without significant disruptions.
