The Artistic, Cultural and Related Entertainment Sector (ARENA) of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL) has raised concerns over a proposed law that would allow attendees to bring their own food and beverages into mass events with more than 500 people.
The trade group said the proposal could create safety risks and represent undue interference in private business activity.
Safety and control concerns
Doris Espinoza, president of the CCL's ARENA sector, said regulations should protect consumers and support formal businesses without harming an entertainment industry that is still in the process of recovering and growing economically.
She said allowing food and drinks to be brought in without restriction would make it harder for organizers to guarantee proper conditions for control, storage, handling and security inside venues, shifting risks that could directly affect attendees.
Espinoza said the bill fails to account for organizers' obligations around security, logistics, access control and public services, which she called key elements for staging mass events safely.
Impact on investment
She also warned that this kind of legislative initiative could create uncertainty for investment in the entertainment sector, which she said needs stable and clear rules to attract larger national and international events.
The Lima Chamber of Commerce is Peru's main business association representing companies across multiple industries, including entertainment and live events. According to the CCL, the entertainment sector in Peru has been projected to grow by as much as 7% in 2026, with a record number of events expected.
Espinoza said that building an industry capable of drawing more concerts, festivals and international events requires a predictable investment climate, respect for freedom of enterprise, and regulatory decisions based on technical criteria and a comprehensive assessment of impacts.
Call for dialogue with Congress
The CCL asked Peru's Congress to open technical dialogue with the sectors involved before approving measures that could affect an activity that generates jobs, boosts tourism and drives other economic chains linked to entertainment.
