Mar 17 • 00:45 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Quito: hostel shut down for operating as a bar without the necessary permits

A hostel in Quito was shut down for illegally operating as a bar, supplying alcohol and hosting parties without proper permits.

In the El Dorado sector of central Quito, a supposedly legitimate hostel was revealed to be functioning primarily as an illicit bar, serving alcohol to patrons and hosting late-night parties. This operation had raised the ire of local residents, who, frustrated by the noise and disruptions, filed a community complaint with the Metropolitan Control Agency (AMC). Acting on the complaint, the AMC, in collaboration with National Police agents and Armed Forces, intervened and closed down the establishment.

The closure was particularly significant due to the hostel's location; it was situated just 200 meters away from a medical school and a nearby hospital. This proximity raised concerns about health and safety, as it allowed medical personnel and students easy access to the alcohol being sold illegally. The owners of the hostel were found to lack the necessary operating permits, making their actions not just irresponsible but potentially hazardous to the community.

This incident reflects broader issues of regulation enforcement and community safety within urban areas like Quito. The AMC's decision to close down the establishment highlights the importance of local governance in maintaining public order and addressing residents' concerns. It raises questions about the balance between tourism and local community needs, especially in neighborhoods that are already impacted by noise and other disruptions from commercial activities.

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