Chamber calls for end to law limiting liquor stores

Are laws regulating the number of liquor stores in Mérida doing more harm than good? Photo: Sipse

Mérida, Yucatán — Laws mandating a 200-meter distance between liquor stores are being challenged by the Chamber of Commerce.

The existing measure, which in effect cuts back the number of shops selling alcohol, “represents an obstacle to competitiveness,” the Chamber editorialized in a press release after petitioning state lawmakers.

The business chamber is questioning a law that limits liquor stores in Yucatán. Photo: File

The business group stated that “it has always been in favor of removing obstacles to competition, such as minimum distances between points of sale, which generate market distortions both in price and in service, acting as a brake on investment and job creation.”

They added that this measure allows the proliferation of illegal outlets “which in many cases sell adulterated drinks, as well as sell them to minors.”

Liquor stores can’t be closer than 200 meters to each other. Photo: Sipse

And establishing distance between these establishments “has not stopped” the consumption of these products in the state, the Chamber said. The message urged lawmakers to address issues such as overconsumption and sales to minors with direct action.

The business chamber did, however, agree with laws that put a distance between liquor stores and parks, churches and hospitals.

If the legislature agrees to analyze the initiative, the Chamber has pledged to help lawmakers work out a refinement to the law. In the press release, no alternative law was suggested.

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