Article 223 of the Law on Elections and Political Parties (LEPP) prohibits the sale or distribution of spirits, alcoholic and fermented beverages and their consumption in public places.
The document said the dry law would end at 06:00 local time on Monday, June 26, a period during which severe sanctions and jail terms could be imposed on those who do not comply.
The National Civil Police (PNC) has been tasked with monitoring and taking action against those who break the rule. For this, it will fine shopping malls 100,000 quetzales (almost $13,000) and initiate a petition to have the patent canceled. , license or permission granted.
“This is without prejudice to the criminal acts that take place under other laws,” according to the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE).
By contrast, Agreement 56-2022 stipulated that individuals found consuming alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments would be fined five thousand quetzales (a little over US$600), without prejudice to appropriate penal sanctions. according to other laws.
Citizens detained for violating the Dry Law under Article 495 of the Criminal Code are punished with a prison sentence of 15 to 30 days.
Around 9.3 million Guatemalans will go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new president, vice presidents, 160 members of Congress, 20 for the Central American Parliament and 340 mayors for the period 2024-2028.
Should either candidate not receive 50 percent plus one of the votes, the TSE will schedule a second ballot on Sunday, August 20, contested by the two couples with the majority of the votes on the first date.
rgh/znc