Authorities shut down five establishments in Quito after discovering more than 350 liters of alcohol being sold without proper health registration during inspections in the Cotocollao area.
The operation uncovered an unusual case in which a car parts store was selling liquor without permits. Inside the shop, officials found a barrel containing 280 liters of alcohol along with additional bottles hidden among automotive products.
• More than 350 liters of unregistered alcohol seized
• Five businesses closed during inspections
• Fines can reach up to $4,000
Further checks revealed similar violations nearby. In a watch and jewelry store, more than 30 bottles of liquor were found stored beneath the cash register. In another location near a university, a restaurant was found serving alcohol to a group of young people.
Authorities moved to close all identified establishments and remove the alcohol from circulation due to the lack of sanitary registration and proper operating permits.
Business owners involved face financial penalties and administrative sanctions for failing to comply with regulations governing the sale and handling of alcoholic beverages.