Mexico City bans alcohol sales downtown ahead of Mexico-Czechia game

MEXICO CITY: Mexico City’s government will ban the sale of alcohol during the World Cup match between Mexico and Czechia on Wednesday evening, when thousands will gather on downtown streets to watch the game.

Some 400,000 fans celebrated Mexico’s victory over South Korea last Thursday at the Angel of Independence on the skyscraper-lined Reforma Avenue, officials said. Another 200,000 gathered in the Zocalo square outside the presidential palace.

Both sites fall under the planned alcohol prohibition that the city government announced on Tuesday.

The ban will run from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning. It applies to supermarkets and grocery stores, though alcohol consumption will be permitted inside restaurants and bars.

Though last week’s rowdy festivities left no significant injuries or damage, Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada said the following day that her government would seek to prevent alcohol consumption on the street during the next game.

Cleaning personnel gathered 40 tonnes of garbage following the wild celebrations over Mexico’s victory against South Korea, according to city officials.

The final game of Mexico’s group phase, against Czechia, will take place in the Azteca stadium at 7pm local time.

The Mexican national team has given local fans hope after rising to the top position in Group A, guaranteeing they will play in the Round-of-32.