Colombian celebrations put on hold as Bogota imposes World Cup alcohol ban

Published on: 24 June 2014
Colombian celebrations put on hold as Bogota imposes World Cup alcohol ban
Colombia fans

Colombia have imposed an alcohol ban on fans during the World Cup.

Officials in the capital Bogota have apparently banned the sale of drink between Wednesday and Friday to prevent further outbreaks of trouble.

Incidents of public drunkenness and violence were rife during and after Los Cafeteros' win over Greece in the opening game of Group C.

Some 3,000 fights were reports that day with many injuries and nine deaths.

But despite the best intentions of people in office the public are outraged.

“I’m disgusted. I can’t believe the city would do this,” said local business owner Gustavo Rincon.

Like many other businesses Rincon's restaurant Red Angus Steak and Beer House was left virtually empty as supporters across the city watched the game against Ivory Coast at home.

He says he has lost thousands of dollars in revenue - a 70% fall in sales was recorded city wide.

"We’ve waited four years for this tournament, in anticipation of all the sales it generates," he added. "I’m paying my cooks and waiters and bartenders today, and I pay my taxes, and this is what the city gives me in return?!"

It's not the first time Colombia's football team has hit the headlines off the field this World Cup - after the opening win over Greece coach Jose Pekerman received over 400,000 votes in the presidential election despite not even running.

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