2LT International News

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Starting June 1, Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo Paes has issued a new set of rules for the city’s beaches that ban food and drink sales, chair rentals, loud music, and live performances unless the vendors have official permits.

Paes says the goal is to improve public safety, protect the environment, and maintain peace between tourists and residents.

If you’ve ever visited Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, you likely remember the lively atmosphere: samba music playing from kiosks, hawkers selling caipirinhas, and beach chairs spread across the sand. However, now, even beach huts will have to drop their creative names and go by numbers only.

Some support the changes, saying beach activity has become too chaotic. Others worry it will hurt Rio’s famous beach culture and harm small vendors and musicians who depend on their beach businesses to make a living.

The biggest concern is the ban on unlicensed music. Many say music is at the heart of Rio’s identity. DJ Julio Trindade said, “It’s hard to imagine Rio without samba on the beach.” Orla Rio, a company that manages over 300 kiosks, called the new rules an attack on the city’s vibrant, musical spirit.

Some groups are trying to stop or change the rules. The Brazilian Institute of Citizenship filed a lawsuit claiming the ban on live music limits economic freedom, but the case was dismissed. The nonprofit is now appealing the decision.

Meanwhile, Rio’s city council is reviewing a bill about the use of beaches and boardwalks. It agrees with limiting loud music but doesn’t support the need for permits for live music in kiosks. The bill must still be voted on, and it’s unclear if it will pass before the new rules take effect. If it does, it would override the mayor’s decree.

The beach economy is big business in Rio. According to a 2022 report, it brings in about 4 billion reais (around $710 million) a year, not counting bars and restaurants. Vendors sell everything from grilled cheese to bikinis to tourists and locals.

Some fear for their livelihoods. Juan Marcos, a 24-year-old who sells prawns on the beach, called the new rules “tragic.” Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, leader of a street vendors’ group, says many vendors want permits but can’t get them.

While some residents like the quieter beaches, tourists like Rebecca Thompson from Wales say Rio’s energy and community feel are what make it special. “It would be very sad if that were to go,” she said.

Maria Lucia Silva, a 65-year-old resident of Copacabana who was walking back from the seafront with a pink beach chair under her arm, said she had been expecting City Hall to act.

“Copacabana is a neighborhood for elderly people (… ). Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess,” Silva said.

For Rebecca Thompson, 53, who hails from Wales, “There’s vibrancy, there’s energy. For me, there’s always been a strong sense of community and acceptance. I think it would be very sad if that were to go,” she said.