Mexico City Cracks Down on Street Drinking After World Cup Revelry

Mexico City authorities are moving to implement stricter regulations on alcohol sales in public spaces following the chaotic, massive celebrations that erupted after the national football team’s recent World Cup advancement. The government’s call for order comes in the wake of a jubilant gathering of over 700,000 fans who flooded the historic downtown area.

The celebrations, sparked by Mexico’s victory against South Korea, saw the streets transformed into a sea of green jerseys, Lucha Libre masks, and waving flags. While the atmosphere was largely celebratory, the aftermath painted a starker picture. By the following morning, Reforma Avenue—a primary artery of the capital—was left buried under 40 tonnes of refuse, with public landscaping and iconic flowers decimated by the sheer volume of foot traffic.

Cesar Cravioto, Mexico City’s government secretary, addressed the public during a press conference on Friday, framing the new measures as a necessary "duty of care." Emphasizing that the government aims to balance fan enthusiasm with public safety, Cravioto announced plans to aggressively curtail the illegal sale of alcohol by street vendors during match days.

Specific proposals include mandates for local bars and restaurants to prevent patrons from carrying alcoholic beverages off-premises. Furthermore, convenience stores located in high-traffic zones may face restricted operating hours for alcohol sales leading up to pivotal matches. These efforts are designed to mitigate the risks associated with excessive public intoxication during large-scale gatherings.

To prevent future bottlenecks and minimize the impact on the historic city center, officials plan to install seven additional giant screens across the city. By increasing the number of viewing sites from 12 to 19, the government hopes to successfully disperse crowds and avoid the dangerous over-concentration of fans in a single area.

Beyond the local concerns, the tournament’s impact on urban infrastructure is being felt globally. In Boston, for instance, the legendary “Tartan Army” of Scottish supporters caused a stir when their post-match celebrations were so spirited that several local bars reportedly ran completely dry of beer.

As Mexico prepares for its upcoming group stage clash against the Czech Republic this Wednesday, the local government remains firm in its stance. While the city encourages fans to celebrate the "El Tri" spirit, Cravioto issued a clear warning: the party must continue, but without the excessive consumption that threatens public order and city property.