After the city council approved the sanction of transmitting, exhibiting, interpreting, reproducing, or allowing public shows that promote the culture of violence or praise crime and criminals, also known as narcocorridos, it went into effect a few days later.
"The main thing is to take care of the mental health of children and adolescents because no matter how many weapons this municipality seizes, no matter how many arrests we make, the most important thing is to take care of the mental health that begins with the eyes and ears; that is why I thank this city council for the risk it’s taking since the criticism will be very high due to the economic loss that could represent a small group of singers," said Montserrat Caballero Ramirez, Mayor of Tijuana, during the session.
Regulation reforms
The Tijuana City Council said that the reforms made to the city’s Code of Ordinances, as well as to the city’s Public Entertainment Regulations, seek to mitigate the security problem, as well as to guarantee the right of all residents of Tijuana to a life free of violence.
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This, through the restriction of exhibiting, exposing, interpreting or reproducing music, videos, images, shows or any other similar thing that promotes the culture of violence, advocates crime or authors of illicit acts.
The amendments to the Public Entertainment Regulations of the City of Tijuana establish the prohibition of such content in the presentation of shows and public entertainment.
Fines for disregarding these provisions will range between 6,000 and 12,000 times the daily value of the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMAS), a resource that, according to the City of Tijuana, will be destined to municipal programs for the prevention, treatment, and control of addictions. Fines could range up to $70,000.
Authorities in Tijuana made available a number where citizens can call for complaints about places that do not comply with the rule. 664 616 36 39.
"What cannot be part of Mexican folklore nor represent us is narcocorridos and the advocacy of crime, therefore, today this city council says no to narcocorridos in this city."
- Mayor of Tijuana, Montserrat Caballero Ramirez
Not all corridos are prohibited
The Mayor asked not to misrepresent the initiative presented by Councilman José Refugio Cañada, and assured that all artists are welcome in Tijuana and even acknowledged that corridos are part of Mexican folklore.
Peso Pluma's canceled Tijuana show
Back in September, the record label for Latin music star Peso Pluma canceled his tour stop in Tijuana, Mexico, according to a social media post. The cancellation came after threats were allegedly made against the artist.
Peso Pluma -- in addition to big hits like "Ella baila sola," "Tulum" and "Plebada," -- also has songs whose lyrics refer to the drug trafficking and violence, including references to Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and his children.
Three threatening messages showed up in various areas of Baja California on Sept. 12 directed at the Latin musician, according to reports. The messages were potentially connected to organized crime and hinted at violence if he showed up for the Tijuana concert.
