The municipal government of Benito Juárez has introduced more lenient policies for administrative offenses committed by tourists during Spring Break to avoid overcrowding civic courts, raising concerns among legal experts about potential implications for the rule of law.
Relaxed Penalties for Tourists
Under the new measure, the Tourist Police have been granted discretion in dealing with minor infractions that do not endanger public safety, such as public urination or smoking cannabis. Juan Pablo de Zulueta Razo, Secretary of Tourism for Benito Juárez, explained that offenders may now be redirected to their hotels instead of being referred to civic courts. The policy was introduced following reports of more than 40 sanctions in just one week, largely for fights and substance use.
Common Infractions During Spring Break
Municipal authorities identified frequent offenses among tourists, which include:
– Public disturbances and disorderly conduct.
– Consumption of alcohol, drugs, or solvents in public spaces.
– Intoxicated behavior causing a nuisance to others.
– Obstructing municipal public services.
– Use of obscene gestures or language in public spaces.
– Urinating or defecating in public areas.
Concerns of Legal Inequality
Legal experts have criticized the relaxed approach, warning it could undermine the principle of equal treatment under the law. Miriam Julieta Vargas Laguna, vice president of the Southeast Region of the Confederation of Bar Associations and Colleges, stated that laws must apply uniformly to both tourists and Mexican citizens.
“If we fail to enforce the law equally, we risk creating a dangerous precedent of legal uncertainty,” she remarked. Current civic regulations stipulate that offenders caught in the act must be detained and brought before a Civic Judge, while Article 33 of the Mexican Constitution requires foreigners to respect the country’s laws, just as citizens must.
Impact on Cancún’s Tourism
While Cancún remains a globally celebrated tourist destination, experts warn that relaxed enforcement could lead to security issues and foster a perception of impunity. The debate continues as stakeholders assess whether the policy will attract more tourists or compromise the city’s image and commitment to fairness in law enforcement.
Source: 24 Horas Quintana Roo
