The Colombian government has implemented a nationwide "ley seca" prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol during the presidential runoff election [1].
This measure is intended to prevent public disorder and alcohol-related incidents as citizens head to the polls for the final stage of the presidential contest. By restricting alcohol, authorities aim to ensure a peaceful environment for voters and election officials throughout the country.
Under Decree 0612 of 2026, the ban begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and remains in effect until 12 p.m. on Monday, June 22 [1]. The presidential runoff is scheduled for Sunday, June 21 [2].
Minister of the Interior Armando Benedetti coordinated the implementation of the decree with municipal authorities in various cities [1]. While the ban is national, specific schedules and enforcement details vary across major urban centers. Local authorities in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali are overseeing the application of the restrictions [3].
Other cities, including Bucaramanga and Popayán, have also established specific local schedules to align with the national mandate [1]. The government said that these measures are necessary to guarantee public tranquility during the voting process.
Law enforcement agencies are tasked with monitoring commercial establishments to ensure compliance with the decree. Failure to adhere to the alcohol ban may result in sanctions for business owners and individuals found consuming prohibited beverages during the restricted window [1].
“The ban begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and remains in effect until 12 p.m. on Monday, June 22.”
The use of a 'ley seca' is a traditional tool in Colombian elections to mitigate the risk of street violence and volatility. By extending the ban from Saturday evening through Monday morning, the government is attempting to create a security buffer that covers both the eve of the election and the period during which final results are typically tallied and announced.
