Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Two bars were shut down early Saturday by municipal authorities in Playa del Carmen for operating outside their permitted hours, officials said.
The closures were part of coordinated inspections by the Tourist Police and the city’s Revenue and Oversight Department, according to Tourist Police Commander Osiris de Jesús Ceballos Díaz.
Ceballos said the operations aim to enforce operating hours and ensure safety for both tourists and residents. Several establishments had repeatedly exceeded allowed hours, prompting the closures.
“We accompany the inspectors and provide perimeter security,” Ceballos said. “Last week we closed some bars and issued nine warnings, but there were repeat violations.”
He noted that while many visitors come to Playa del Carmen to enjoy nightlife, excessive noise and noncompliance create safety risks and lead to penalties.
During the inspections, authorities also monitor excessive alcohol consumption and potential drug use or sales. Previous operations have led to arrests related to illicit substances.
In addition to the two closures, officials issued two more warnings early Saturday. Ceballos said the city will not tolerate establishments operating outside authorized hours due to the public safety risks.
While current operations focus on the tourist zone, where most violations have been detected, inspections will expand to other neighborhoods.
Ceballos also reported coordination with the Mexican Navy and Army to bolster surveillance along Fifth Avenue and in various colonias.
He expressed concern about youth involvement in drug sales and consumption, particularly among tourists who mistakenly believe that smoking marijuana in Mexico is legal.
“We are working to prevent these issues and guarantee everyone’s safety,” he said.
