Uber Offices Closed And Sealed By Bogotá Authorities

Earlier this month, ride hailing firm Uber’s offices in the Plaza Claro commercial center in Bogotá was ordered closed and sealed by authorities. Though Uber’s legality in Colombia is controversial and fiercely opposed by taxi syndicates, the closure seemed to have a curious justification: The lack of a proper certificate for an electric automatic door.

The closure was attended by the police and Bogotá’s Ministry of Security and Government, the regional mayor of the Fontibón district of Bogotá, where the office is located, and the Personeria, something equivalent to a legal ombudsman’s office with the purpose of ensuring the protection of human and civil rights. This public show hints at a public message the city wants to send.

The suspension is not permanent; once the office can demonstrate possession of the proper permit, it may reopen. Uber also occupies other offices in Bogotá and throughout Colombia.

Uber denounced the move, and told Colombian daily El Tiempo that “Despite presenting the documentation accredited by the proper authority that certifies that this center operates in compliance with all the requirements required by law, the authorities proceed to close the establishment arbitrarily.”