"Legal Clinic in Peru seeks to empower entrepreneurs against bureaucracy."

In a context where bureaucracy and overregulation have become serious obstacles for entrepreneurs in Peru, Congresswoman Adriana Tudela (Avanza País) has proposed an innovative solution: the creation of a Legal Clinic dedicated to combating barriers imposed by municipal governments. This initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs who are affected by regulations that are often considered illegal or irrational. The Legal Clinic operates as a virtual space where affected individuals can submit their complaints via email, detailing the type of problem they face and the entity imposing the barrier. A clinic advisor will contact the complainant to analyze the case and assist them in the reporting process to the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi). One of the most appealing aspects of this initiative is that the reception of complaints is free and completely anonymous, a combination that will undoubtedly attract many entrepreneurs hesitant to confront public entities. The idea for this clinic did not come out of nowhere. Tudela has been working on a Multipartisan Special Commission responsible for Legislative Order, and the creation of this clinic is part of a broader effort to improve the regulatory quality of laws in Peru. According to Tudela, the purpose is to provide legal and technical support to entrepreneurs facing obstacles imposed by municipalities, which can be crucial for the survival of small businesses. So far this year, the Legal Clinic has received around 15 complaints, mostly related to time restrictions and demands for requirements not legally contemplated. A clear example is the case of time restrictions imposed on businesses that, like that of Susana Vivanco, operate in areas with high nighttime demand. Vivanco, who runs a store in Los Olivos, has felt pressured by authorities demanding that her establishment close by 11 PM, despite her highest customer flow occurring after that hour. Tudela points out that this situation is a clear reflection of the arbitrariness faced by many entrepreneurs. "Some municipalities have reached a point where they are practically extorting entrepreneurs," she asserts. These types of restrictions not only affect the profitability of businesses but also limit entrepreneurs' ability to adapt to market demands. The Legal Clinic has also published a practical guide to help entrepreneurs file their complaints, providing a step-by-step process on how to proceed against bureaucratic barriers. This guide is crucial, considering that many business owners are unaware of the mechanisms available to confront arbitrary acts by municipalities. The complaint process has been simplified, and the response from Indecopi is expected to be prompt. The Technical Secretariat is expected to respond within a maximum of 20 business days, representing a significant advance in the fight against bureaucracy. However, it remains to be seen whether the complaints will be addressed with the seriousness they require, and whether local authorities will be willing to reconsider their rules. The cases of Maribel Silvera, who also faces restrictions at her minimarket, highlight the urgent need for structural changes in how commercial hours are regulated. Silvera has been fined for operating outside the permitted hours, despite her business benefiting from a higher customer flow during the hours that authorities have deemed "prohibited." Experts in municipal law, such as Johnny Zas Friz, emphasize that the alignment between the general interest of the community and economic activities must be balanced. Restrictions imposed by municipalities should be fair and provide an operational framework that does not unjustly limit entrepreneurs. Otherwise, there is a risk that these measures will become tools of control rather than regulations for the common good. The Legal Clinic represents a positive and necessary effort to alleviate the bureaucratic burden faced by Peruvian entrepreneurs. While there is still a long way to go in eliminating bureaucratic barriers, this initiative could serve as a model for other regions and countries where bureaucracy has become a drag on economic growth and innovation. Ultimately, the success of this clinic will depend not only on the number of complaints received but also on the political will of authorities to listen and rectify the irregularities affecting entrepreneurs. Creating a more business-friendly regulatory environment is vital to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and, consequently, the economic development of the country. Tudela's initiative could mark a turning point in the battle against excessive regulation in Peru.