Article 175 of the Zihuatanejo Police and Good Government Ordinance establishes the prohibition of the use of hot air balloons.
It is up to the Environment and Natural Resources department to implement verification filters on beaches to prohibit the use of these devices. This is reinforced by municipal Civil Protection elements.
Those who are caught burning hot air balloons could receive a fine ranging from 5,187 to 7,261.8 pesos, the same for those who sell the item.
Fines for burning/selling hot air balloons
$5,187 to $7,261.8
Source: Police and Good Government Ordinance
This measure has been in place since 2016, the government was more emphatic with this provision after three fires in palapas following the fall of hot air balloons. This article also includes the prohibition of burning fireworks on beaches.
However, it is well known that hotels in Ixtapa hold weddings, quinceañeras or special dinners with fireworks on the beaches. So far, there are no known fines or restrictions for them.
The ban on the use and sale of hot air balloons, as well as the burning of fireworks on the beaches of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, reflects an effort to protect the environment and prevent accidents, such as the fires that occurred in the past. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends largely on their uniform application without exceptions.
Although the economic sanctions are clearly stipulated, the lack of visible restrictions for events organized by hotels could weaken the credibility and consistency of these regulations.
Source: meganoticias
