Cutral Có officials delay alcohol sales ordinance for small businesses

Local authorities in Cutral Có have paused a proposed ordinance that would have restricted alcohol sales in small businesses measuring less than 70 square meters. The measure faced significant opposition from approximately 200 local merchants, some of whom reported that alcohol sales account for up to 50% of their total revenue.

Mayor Ramón Rioseco initially met with business owners to address concerns that the rule would force existing shops to cease sales upon license renewal. While the Mayor proposed a compromise to exempt current license holders and only restrict new businesses, the proposal faced further scrutiny in the city's Deliberative Council.

Council members questioned the lack of statistical evidence justifying the 70-square-meter threshold or linking small shops to increased regulatory violations. Consequently, the Government Commission decided to leave the project in committee for further study, preventing it from moving to a scheduled vote.