Mexico City Authorities Ban Alcohol Sales Ahead of Czech Republic Match

Mexico City authorities will ban alcohol sales in some of its busiest neighborhoods during Wednesday's World Cup match between Mexico and the Czech Republic. This decision follows last week's celebrations, which saw public drinking and significant littering along the capital's main thoroughfare.

The measure excludes bars and restaurants but will apply to grocery stores in the city's historic center and several nearby districts.

The affected area includes the popular Zona Rosa entertainment district and Reforma Avenue, Mexico City's primary artery, where fans typically gather to celebrate football victories in front of the towering Angel of Independence monument.

Last week, authorities announced they would deploy additional personnel to monitor beer sales by street vendors after over 700,000 people converged in the city center to celebrate Mexico's victory over South Korea, which propelled the co-hosts into the World Cup knockout stage.

Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Mexico, as reported by Reuters.

Despite the post-match rain, thousands of fans flooded Reforma Avenue, transforming one of Mexico City's most iconic streets into a sea of green jerseys. The city center became a massive open-air party, with revelers waving Mexican flags, singing anthems, and drinking late into the night.

Authorities reported collecting approximately 40 metric tons of waste in and around the historic center.