LEY SECA - DRY LAW

Why Does Mexico Close Its Bars During Election Weekend?

If you've ever been in Mexico during an election weekend, you might have noticed that bars and liquor stores suddenly close their doors. This isn't a random occurrence; it's a long-standing tradition called the "Ley Seca," or Dry Law. But why does this happen? Let's dive into the history and reasoning behind this unique practice.

A Bit of History

The Ley Seca isn't a new concept. It dates back to the early 20th century, a time when Mexico was working hard to establish a more democratic and orderly election process. Back then, alcohol was seen as a potential disruptor. Imagine the chaos of a bar fight spilling over into the streets on election day, or worse, political candidates using booze to sway voters' decisions. To combat these issues, the government decided to implement the Dry Law.

The Main Reasons Behind the Ley Seca

1. Preventing Violence and Disturbances

One of the primary reasons for the Ley Seca is to prevent alcohol-fueled violence and disturbances. Elections can be tense, and adding alcohol to the mix could easily lead to fights, riots, or other public disturbances. By closing bars and liquor stores, authorities aim to keep things calm and orderly.

2. Ensuring Sober Voting

Another key reason is to ensure that voters are sober and clear-headed when they head to the polls. Alcohol can impair judgment, and the government wants to make sure that everyone is making rational decisions when casting their ballots. After all, a democratic process works best when voters are fully aware and engaged.

3. Reducing the Risk of Electoral Fraud and Influence

There's also the concern that alcohol could be used to manipulate voters. Imagine a scenario where a candidate hosts a free booze party the night before the election to win over last-minute votes. The Ley Seca helps to prevent such tactics by reducing the opportunities for candidates or parties to use alcohol as a tool for electoral gain.

How It Works

The specifics of the Ley Seca can vary by state and election, but typically, it kicks in 24 to 48 hours before election day and lasts until the polls close. Enforcement involves local authorities conducting inspections to ensure compliance. Violating the dry law can result in fines or temporary closures of establishments.

Final Thoughts

While the idea of a dry weekend might sound inconvenient, it's all about promoting fair and orderly elections. By keeping things sober, Mexico aims to ensure that the democratic process runs smoothly, with voters making clear-headed decisions free from outside influence. So, next time you're in Mexico during an election weekend and find your favorite bar closed, you'll know there's a good reason behind it.

Hope this sheds some light on the Ley Seca for you! If you have any thoughts or experiences about this tradition, feel free to share them.

Will Hutt

Coldwell Banker La Costa

Will.Hutt@cblacosta.com

@BeachPleasePVR on Instagram and TikTok

https://cblacosta.com/will-hutt/