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ARTICLE · 12 AUGUST 2026

Chronicle Of A $700 Million Fine

Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA)
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A major Colombian brewery faced a USD$220,000 fine from the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce for mishandling a promotional campaign linked to soccer tickets. The company violated consumer protection laws by changing contest rules mid-campaign and omitting essential information, leaving over 4,000 customers without promised benefits. This case provides critical lessons for entrepreneurs on how to structure legally compliant promotions that protect both customers and business reputation.

ColombiaConsumer Protection

How to run successful (and legal) promotions without your business paying the price

What do soccer, beer, and a fine of over 700 million pesos (USD$220,000 approx.) have in common? The short answer: a poorly executed promotion. Recently, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) issued a landmark resolution that leaves all entrepreneurs with an invaluable lesson about advertising promises and current regulations. 

The Case: When “Bienvenida Azul – Blue Welcome” turned into red numbers

The SIC sanctioned a major brewery in Colombia with a fine of approximately USD$220,000. The reason? Breaching consumer protection rules in their recent promotional campaigns linked to ticketing for a professional soccer team. 

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