As of Saturday, August 19 at noon, the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages throughout the country comes into force. This was reported by the Ministry of the Interior:
As of 12:00 p.m. on this day, the dry law enters into force, for which the sale and consumption of liquor is prohibited, until Monday, the 21st of the current year at 6:00 p.m.
According to the Electoral and Political Parties Law (LEPP), the Civil national police (PNC) is in charge of ensuring that this order of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is complied with.
Also read: Sandra Torres vs. Bernardo Arevalo
Prohibition in Guatemala
The regulations are regulated in article 223 of the LEPP, referring to prohibitions. In part D it says:
The sale or distribution of liquors, alcoholic and fermented beverages or their consumption in public places, from twelve o’clock on the day before the general elections.
Meanwhile, the PNC will be able to take action against those who do not abide by the so-called dry law, since it threatens the general elections.
Those who are caught buying or selling alcoholic beverages can be brought before a competent judge, for transgressing the law.
Citizens who become aware of the violation can report it to the PNC and the TSE.
More than 150 captures
During the general elections in the first round on June 25, the security forces reported the capture of more than 150 people for violating the dry law.
The measure entered into force on Saturday, June 24 at noon and ended on Monday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m.
The dry law was implemented as a safeguard for the 2023 general elections. In addition, as an impulse for the population to go to the polls to exercise the right to vote.
Regarding the arrests, the police institution reported on its social networks:
More than 100 detainees for violating dry law during the 2023 elections. For 36 hours, and despite constant calls and alerts about the prohibition to sell and consume alcoholic beverages on public roads, the National Civil Police captured 110 offenders.
some catches
Among those captured in the electoral framework, the arrest of Antuan N, 19 years old, and Donis N, 24, stands out.
According to the PNC, the detainees incited riots in the Candelaria Xolhuitz agrarian community, in Nuevo San Carlos, Retalhuleu.
These actions respond to the commitment of the security institutions that ensured a peaceful process. [Tomado de AGN]
