Colombia’s Restaurant Sector Asks for Urgent Post-Earthquake Lifeline

The Colombian restaurant sector has reached out to the national government for immediate assistance following the August 10 earthquake. The gastronomy association, Gastronómica Colombia, has requested tax suspension, payroll subsidies, and soft loans. The quake destroyed or damaged 554 restaurants, with over 2,700 people losing their jobs.

The association has also asked for the suspension of consumption and value-added taxes, as well as the freezing of the advance withholding rate. The damage is estimated to cost near 30 trillion pesos (US$9.62 billion), which is about 1.5 percent of national output. Restaurants in several cities have closed for safety checks or lost customers, and many more are facing financial difficulties.

Asobares, the Colombian bar owners association, estimates that the food and drink service industry supports about 1.68 million jobs and generates significant revenue. The sector is already struggling, with 6,900 closures recorded in 2024. The Colombian government has declared an economic emergency and granted temporary tax relief, but specific assistance for the restaurant sector is still pending.