Colombian police no longer have to wait until they reach the top ranks to grow a moustache.

Since 1997, a code of conduct gave only officers above the rank of lieutenant the right to sport a little hair above their top lip.

Rather than shave, lower-ranking officers decided to sue and Colombia's state council sided with them in a ruling.

The administrative court said the prohibition violates a constitutional right to develop one's own personality.

The ruling affects tens of thousands of officers. A similar prohibition on moustaches still exists amid the rank-and-file in Colombia's armed forces and experts say it is now likely to be challenged.

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