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Alcohol sales rules vary by state for 2026 runoff election
Brazil's second-round election on Sunday will see alcohol restrictions differ by state, with some banning sales entirely while others permit unrestricted commerce on polling day.
The second round of the 2026 election, scheduled for Sunday the 25th, will see differing rules on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages depending on the state. While some states impose complete restrictions, others maintain free commerce during voting day. The lack of uniformity reflects separate decisions made by regional electoral courts and state governments.
In Acre, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from 0h to 16h, including free distribution, according to a joint order from the Regional Electoral Court. In Piauí, the prohibition will run from 4h to 17h, determined by the State Government through an order published in the Official Gazette on Thursday the 22nd. In Mato Grosso, the Regional Electoral Court banned the sale and supply of beverages in commercial establishments and public venues from 7h to 16h across the entire state.
In Bahia, the Electoral Court imposed restrictions in specific cities: in Feira de Santana, Anguera and Serra Preta, the sale of alcoholic beverages for immediate consumption was prohibited within a 200-metre radius of polling locations from 0h to 17h. The order was issued in a joint ruling signed on Monday the 19th.
By contrast, Mato Grosso do Sul, Ceará and Alagoas will not enforce a dry law in the runoff. The Regional Electoral Court of Mato Grosso do Sul upheld the same approach as the first round, permitting sales and consumption in bars, restaurants and commercial establishments across all municipalities. In Ceará, the Regional Electoral Court chose not to decree the dry law, authorizing consumption and sales on voting day. In Alagoas, the Public Security Secretariat announced on Thursday the 22nd that sales are permitted, reversing the previous stance taken before the first round, when a prohibition had been published in the State Official Gazette.
Approximately 160 million Brazilians are eligible to vote in the runoff. For 13 million INSS beneficiaries, participating in Sunday's vote counts as proof of life, according to a message on the federal government's digital portal. Voting is also open to those who did not turn up in the first round, even without justifying their absence.
In some locations, such as Juiz de Fora, public services and cultural facilities will have altered hours during election day. Public transport will remain free on voting day.