Puerto Vallarta, the premier beach destination in Jalisco and one of Mexico's most renowned vacation spots, is at the center of a brewing controversy. Known for its vibrant nightlife, particularly in areas like the Malecón and the Romantic Zone south of the city, Puerto Vallarta draws countless visitors to its bustling bars, restaurants, and clubs. However, a proposed regulation aimed at governing behavior in these lively areas has sparked confusion and debate among residents and social media users.
Reports from various Puerto Vallarta media outlets indicate that after several meetings between business owners, merchants in the Romantic Zone, and the municipal government, a new set of regulations for visitors to this popular area has been proposed. The Puerto Vallarta City Council officially released the draft of the regulation yesterday, revealing a series of guidelines designed to enhance safety and environmental care.
The proposed regulation includes the following provisions:
- No littering
- No use of glass containers
- No excessive noise from sound equipment or other items and instruments
- No inappropriate behavior or disruption of public order
- No burning of garbage or making of bonfires
- No staying overnight, camping, sleeping, or remaining overnight (sic)
- All pets must be leashed, and owners will be held responsible
The proposed ban on "staying overnight, camping, sleeping, or staying overnight" in one of the port's most nightlife-centric areas has raised eyebrows. The Romantic Zone is known for its concentration of bars, restaurants, and attractions, including venues catering to the LGBT+ community. The ambiguity of the regulation's language has led to questions about its intended application, with some suggesting it may specifically target beach areas. However, the regulation only broadly references the Romantic Zone, citing "the safety of people and the care of the environment" as justifications.
Compounding the confusion is the inclusion of the term "pernotar" instead of "pernoctar." According to the Royal Spanish Academy, "pernotar" means "to notice or be aware of something," while "pernoctar" refers to spending the night in a particular place, especially outside one's home. This apparent typographical error has further muddled the regulation's interpretation.
The Puerto Vallarta City Council has yet to address the concerns and questions raised by social media users regarding the proposed regulation. The lack of clarity has left many wondering about the implications for the Romantic Zone's nightlife and the broader tourism industry in Puerto Vallarta.
