Bogotá Implements Dry Law Ahead of Elections Amid Bar Industry Protests

The Bogotá municipal government has implemented a dry law ahead of the 2026 Colombian presidential elections, prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the capital starting at 6:00 p.m. On Friday, May 29, 2026. The measure, outlined in Decree 191 of 2026, extends the typical weekend alcohol ban by one day to coincide with the national election on Sunday, May 31.

The decree, issued by Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán’s administration, has drawn sharp criticism from the hospitality sector. The Colombian Bars Association (Bares Unidos de Colombia) has condemned the policy, describing it as an “economic disaster” for businesses that rely on evening trade. The group announced plans to stage a protest in Bolívar Square, arguing that the restrictions threaten jobs and livelihoods. “There is indignation,” a representative of the association told EL PAÍS, emphasizing that the measure disproportionately affects small enterprises.

The Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C. Cited “public safety concerns” and the need to prevent election-related disturbances as justification for the decree. However, the Consejo de Estado (Colombia’s highest administrative court) has already intervened, ordering President Gustavo Petro to cease all electoral propaganda. In a ruling issued on May 29, 2026, the court’s Fifth Section mandated that Petro comply with Law 996 of 2005, which prohibits political proselytizing by officials during election periods. The decision marks the latest in a series of legal challenges against Petro’s campaign activities.

The dry law coincides with heightened tensions in Colombia’s electoral landscape. The country’s presidential race has seen intense scrutiny over campaign finance, voter intimidation, and the role of political alliances. While the exact impact of the decree on voter turnout remains unclear, its timing has raised questions about the balance between electoral integrity and economic rights. Bogotá’s nightlife sector, a key economic driver, faces potential losses as bars and restaurants close early for two consecutive days.

Local authorities have defended the measure as a precautionary step to ensure a “calm and orderly election process.” However, opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have criticized the abrupt implementation, noting that similar restrictions are typically announced at least 48 hours in advance. “This is a unilateral decision that disregards the needs of workers and entrepreneurs,” said a representative from the Colombian Business Association (Andi), according to EL PAÍS.

The controversy reflects broader debates over the regulation of public spaces during elections. In recent years, Bogotá has experimented with temporary restrictions on alcohol sales during major events, but the 2026 decree represents the most stringent measure to date. The city’s Department of Security has pledged to enforce the law, though enforcement details remain unspecified.

As the election approaches, the interplay between legal mandates, economic interests, and public sentiment will likely shape the narrative. For now, the dry law stands, with its long-term implications for Bogotá’s economy and electoral dynamics yet to unfold.