Colombian Government Orders All Bars, Clubs, Casinos, Family Amusement Closed Immediately To The Public

Today, Colombia’s Ministers of Health and Social Protection and Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT) ordered all places of public gathering such as nightclubs, casinos, family fun centers, amusement parks, and meeting places closed, at least until April 15.

Hotels are allowed continue to remain open and serve guests.

“Recreation and amusement establishments, such as bars, clubs and casinos, are spaces where contact between people is greater and therefore are places that favor the spread of the Covid-19 virus, so it is necessary to temporarily close them,” said Minister of Commerce, Industry & Tourism José Manuel Restrepo.

However, he explained, that though these establishments will be closed to the public, they may continue to sell food and drink through electronic commerce, home delivery and carry-out service.

“In order to guarantee the proper protection of the health of all Colombians, and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 Virus, the Ministers of Health and Social Protection and Trade, Industry and Tourism, through resolution 453 of 2020, resolved to adopt measures sanitary control and temporarily close establishments related to leisure and fun; of dance; chance and entertainment and suspend the work or services of similar activities that involve the meeting of a group of people.”

This measure is in compliance with decree 420 of 2020, which instructs mayors and governors in the maintenance of public order during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic, which prohibits of the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces and commercial establishments, from Thursday, March 19, 2020, until Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Above photo: The partial imported beer selection at La Casa Solariega Restaurant serving European continental cuisine in Santa Fé de Antioquia, Colombia. © Loren Moss