Prohibition Measures Ahead of Mexico vs. England Match
The government of Mexico City has announced a “Prohibition” to be enforced on July 5 during the match between Mexico and England. This initiative aims to mitigate the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces as the city gears up for World Cup celebrations. This measure was introduced by Governor Clara Brugada during a press conference where various cabinet members provided details of the planned operations.
Details of the Prohibition
The prohibition will be in effect from midnight on July 5 until 7:00 a.m. on July 6. It specifically targets the sale of alcoholic beverages for take-away purchases in commercial establishments. Venues that are licensed for indoor consumption can operate normally provided they do not permit customers to exit with alcoholic drinks.
Affected Neighborhoods
The prohibition will apply to several key neighborhoods, including:
- Juarez
- Cuauhtemoc
- Historic Center
- Tobacco
- Saint Raphael
- North Rome
- Countess
Secretary of Government César Cravioto Romero noted that the neighborhoods of North Rome and Countess are included due to past incidents where alcohol sales were noted on the opposite side of Chapultepec Avenue.
Enforcement Measures
To ensure compliance, authorities have already closed 12 establishments that will not reopen before the match. Non-compliant establishments will face closure. The operation will involve 213 INVEA verifiers (Administrative Verification Institute) and an additional 21 members from the Government Secretariat.
Security Preparations for the Event
In light of the significance of the match, which falls within the Round of 16 of the Soccer World Cup, a comprehensive security plan has been outlined. Over 17,000 police officers will be deployed, organized by various departments including Police Operations and Citizen Participation.
At the stadium itself, around 7,500 personnel will facilitate fan entry and will implement partial traffic closures from early morning. The FIFA Fan Festival hosted in Zócalo will see a deployment of 3,300 security personnel, with checkpoints ensuring no entry of alcoholic beverages or dangerous items.
Managing the Crowd
The area surrounding the Angel of Independence has an estimated capacity of 25,000 people. Once this limit is reached, access will be restricted, and attendees will be directed to various surrounding screens. A dedicated team of World Cup guides will assist in managing the flow of spectators, focusing on maintaining a safe environment.
For safe enjoyment of the match, the Mexico City Police will enhance their presence while implementing stringent safety measures to prevent any disturbances during this important national event.