Mexico City considers alcohol limits after 700,000+ World Cup revelers flood streets
Mexico City plans alcohol sale restrictions after over 700,000 fans celebrated a World Cup win, leaving streets littered.
Mexico City's government is contemplating measures to curb alcohol sales in public spaces following massive street celebrations after the national team advanced in the World Cup. More than 700,000 people converged in the city center to commemorate Mexico's victory over South Korea, leading to significant cleanup efforts.
The jubilant scenes saw fans in green jerseys and Lucha Libre masks dancing, waving flags, and blowing vuvuzelas in the rain. However, the following morning revealed Reforma Avenue, a major thoroughfare, covered in litter with trampled flowers, requiring authorities to collect approximately 40 tonnes of waste from the historic center.
Cesar Cravioto, Mexico City's government secretary, stated that controlling illegal street alcohol sales is a key aspect of the government's duty of care during the major football event. He indicated plans to request that restaurants and bars prevent patrons from taking drinks outside and to potentially restrict alcohol sales at convenience stores before significant matches.
To better manage crowd distribution, the government intends to install seven additional large screens in the city center, supplementing the existing twelve. They also plan to increase personnel to regulate sales by street vendors. "We will keep insisting that fans have fun but without excessive alcohol consumption," Cravioto added.
This situation mirrors challenges faced by other host cities. In Boston, Scottish fans' extensive beer consumption after a match reportedly led to some bars running dry. Mexico is preparing to face the Czech Republic next in the group stage.
The massive gathering was prompted by Luis Romo's 50th-minute goal, which secured Mexico's spot in the World Cup round of 32. The team will play their next home match in the knockout stage.
Authorities are focused on balancing the enthusiasm of fans with public order and sanitation. The additional screens aim to spread out celebratory crowds, potentially mitigating the impact on central areas.
Further details on the specific regulations and their implementation are expected as the government finalizes its plans. The success of these measures will likely be assessed during future World Cup matches and other large public events.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.