Ley Seca - Peruvian "dry law"

The Ley Seca, which literally translated means “dry law”, is a temporary alcohol prohibition imposed during election time in Peru.

Depending on the election this alcohol ban can be in place for up to 48 hours before and 12 hours after election day. The exact time frame is usually published a few days before the elections. During the announced time frame, it's prohibited to sell and serve any kind of alcoholic beverages anywhere in the country including supermarkets, corner stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, discotheques, gas stations, etc.

The reason for imposing the Ley Seca during election time is the intention of preventing Peruvians to vote under the influence and drunken brawls or even riots in case the results aren't as some voters hoped for.

However, while the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages and its consumption in public places is prohibited the Ley Seca doesn’t restrict the private consumption of alcohol. So, most Peruvians stock up before the Ley Seca is in place and party at home during election weekends.