Peru's Indecopi Overturns Lima's Restrictions on Nightclub and Alcohol Sales Hours

Peru's National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) has struck down operating hour restrictions imposed by the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima on nightclubs and alcohol sales. The Specialized Elimination of Bureaucratic Barriers Chamber found the measures illegal, stating the municipality provided no objective justification for the limitations.

The ruling, issued on June 12, 2026, invalidates parts of Ordinances No. 235 and No. 1568. These ordinances had restricted discotheques, dance halls, and similar establishments to opening only from 3:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and from 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. Restrictions on alcohol sales hours in both the historic center and the wider metropolitan area were also annulled.

Indecopi concluded that the Municipality of Lima did not demonstrate a specific problem that warranted limiting operating hours. While municipalities have the authority to regulate business hours and alcohol sales, these powers must be exercised reasonably and supported by evidence. The city failed to present proof that the restrictions contributed to public safety or tranquility.

This decision marks another conflict between Indecopi and the Lima municipality, which has seen several of its business regulations overturned in recent years. Indecopi clarified that its ruling does not prevent future restrictions, provided they are based on objective grounds and comply with regulations against bureaucratic barriers.