The measure is being taken in order to reduce the chances of violent incidents occurring in the days leading up to the March 15^th Congressional elections and during election day.

Supermarkets will have to shut off their liquor sections and bars and clubs will not be allowed to serve their customers any alcohol and those who do will be subject to hefty fines.  Delivery services such as “el correo de la noche” will also not be allowed to take alcohol to customers´ homes.

Other “safety”  measures taken by the local government prior to the local elections include setting up special police posts at Bogota´s main entrances and the policing of all election posts on Sunday.

Bogota residents will not be allowed to carry fire arms throughout the weekend, even if they have permits to do so.

Also, motor-cycle users will not be able to carry a passenger behind them from 6am on Sunday March 14^th to 6am on Monday March 15^th. 

This measure may seem unusual to foreigners but there is a history to it: During the drug trafficking bonanza in Cali and Medellin, mafia hit-men would make most of their attacks on motorcycles, with the back passenger shooting at the unlucky target.

Vehicles that transport furniture, construction materials, or gas cylinders will not be allowed to circulate on Bogota´s roads from 6am on Sunday to 6am on Monday.

Finally, there will be no roads shut down on Sunday to make way for the “ciclovia”.