Cuenca authorities launch controls to prevent alcohol sales to minors

The Cuenca Citizen Guard, in coordination with the Azuay Intendency, has launched inter-institutional operations in rural parishes to prevent the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to minors. These controls specifically target commercial establishments near educational units in the Tarqui, Victoria del Portete, and Cumbe parishes.

Authorities are enforcing Article 396 of the Organic Integral Penal Code (COIP), which classifies the sale of alcohol or tobacco to children and adolescents as a fourth-class misdemeanor punishable by 15 to 30 days of imprisonment. During the operations, officials seized artisanal alcohol, cigarettes lacking sanitary registration, and gelatinous products containing alcohol. The patrols aim to strengthen security and promote safe public spaces around schools.