Barranqueras Municipality bans mate consumption during public service

The Municipality of Barranqueras in Chaco, Argentina, has issued a memorandum prohibiting municipal employees from consuming mate and food while attending to the public. Mayor Magda Ayala stated that the measure aims to ensure continuous service and prevent interruptions during administrative and tax procedures.

Ayala argued that citizens visiting departments such as Cadastre, Industry and Commerce, or the Court of Offenses should not have to wait for staff to finish drinking mate. She compared the administrative staff to field workers, such as cleaning and transit agents, who perform their duties without consuming mate during work hours.

The directive also restricts private sales within municipal offices. While the measure seeks to increase professionalism and concentration, it has sparked debate regarding workplace conditions and the potential for further restrictions, such as personal cellphone use. Specific sanctions for non-compliance have not yet been detailed.