Colombia's Police Code: parties, noise and sexual acts in public

If you host or attend a liberal party in Colombia, it helps to know what the National Police and Coexistence Code (Law 1801 of 2016) says about behaviour in places open to the public, noise and alcohol. This guide reads the Colombian National Police's explanatory page on behaviours contrary to coexistence. It is not legal advice: for a specific case, consult a lawyer.

Sexual acts in places open to the public

The Police list, among behaviours that affect coexistence, performing sexual acts or exhibitionism that bother the community in public space or places open to the public (article 33). The same rule protects displays of affection that are not sexual acts or exhibitionism: they cannot be restricted or obstructed on grounds such as sexual orientation or gender identity.

Noise and parties

The same article includes disturbing, or allowing the peace to be disturbed, with sounds or noise at parties, gatherings or similar events in neighbourhoods and homes. If the person responsible refuses, the Police may temporarily switch off the source of the noise. For a gathering in a home, this matters more than any debate about the nature of the meeting.

Alcohol and substances

The Police name as behaviour contrary to coexistence consuming alcohol, psychoactive or prohibited substances where not authorised, and article 140 expressly cites stadiums, arenas, sports centres and parks. The British FCDO also warns travellers that drinking alcohol in public spaces is illegal in Colombia.

Fines

The Police explain that general fines are expressed in daily minimum wages (SMDLV): type 1, 4; type 2, 8; type 3, 16; and type 4, 32. There are also special fines in monthly minimum wages, and its page cites one of 100 to 800 monthly minimum wages for organisers of crowded events. We could not confirm from the source which fine type applies to each paragraph, so we do not claim it: consult the official text of the law.

What this guide does not say

This guide does not claim that private meetings between consenting adults are legal or illegal in every case: the law regulates behaviour in public or publicly open places, and how an event is classed depends on its circumstances and on other rules (permits, capacity, commercial premises). For the academic background to swinging in the country, read our guide to the research in Colombia. In practice: no sexual acts where third parties can see, control noise and drinks in the street, and zero contact without consent.