Brazil Faces Patchwork Alcohol Bans Ahead of Oct. 25 Runoff

Overview

• National compilations show at least nine states have some form of electoral Lei Seca for the Oct. 25 second round, but the hours and scope vary widely by state and zone.
• Some authorities issued statewide portarias that set explicit hours and penalties, with the Piauí government banning sales from early morning until mid‑afternoon in all municipalities.
• Other bodies left decisions to local judges or changed orders late in the week, as the Amazonas electoral court revoked a Manaus ban and told interior judges to decide for their municipalities.
• Some regional courts confirmed there will be no statewide ban, with the Mato Grosso do Sul tribunal saying bars and shops may sell alcohol normally on voting day.
• The measure is not a federal rule and is framed by state security and electoral officials as a public‑order tool that can carry criminal penalties for disobedience or for causing disorder that disrupts voting.