Venezuela bans alcohol for Chavez mourning period

Mexico, March 7: The Interior Ministry of Venezuela has ordered a ban on sales and consumption of alcohol across the country for the seven-day period of mourning for late president Hugo Chavez.

The ban, which will be in force until March 12, is aimed at providing normal conditions for holding a funeral ceremony for Chavez and will be monitored by law enforcers, the ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry also introduced a temporary ban until March 12 on carrying weapons in public for those individuals, who have permission. Police, military and special service officers are the exception to the ban.

Chavez, 58, died Tuesday following a two-year-long tough battle with cancer. His funeral will be held Friday.

IANS