Following strong public criticism, Rio de Janeiro’s mayor has eased new regulations that would have significantly restricted live music performances on the city’s iconic beaches.
Earlier this month, Mayor Eduardo Paes announced a set of new and reinforced rules aimed at enhancing public safety, preserving the environment, and promoting harmony between residents and tourists. The measures, set to take effect on Sunday, included bans on food and beverage sales without permits, chair rentals, loudspeakers, and live music at beach kiosks.
However, the new restrictions sparked widespread concern, particularly among musicians and small vendors who rely on beach-based commerce for their livelihoods.
In response, the city government has partially rolled back the decree. It will now allow live music performances at kiosks under less restrictive conditions and lift the ban on glass bottles. Additionally, kiosk owners will once again be permitted to display business names, not just assigned numbers, provided they adhere to approved formatting.
“Music will return to the beaches,” said DJ Julio Trindade, who performs at kiosks and actively campaigned against the new rules. “Rio’s beaches are famous around the world — they deserve their soundtrack.”
Despite the rollback, certain restrictions remain in force, including the ban on loudspeakers and tighter controls on unauthorized food and drink sales.
“The city continues to monitor the beaches to maintain public order and ensure that shared spaces are respected,” said Brenno Carnevale, Rio’s secretary of public order.
Mayor Paes defended the initial rules, saying they were necessary because some kiosks had been operating music systems beyond the allowed volume and past the 10 p.m. cutoff.
“Violators will face a fine of 1,000 reais (about $180) for the first offense, 2,000 reais for the second, and on the third violation, the kiosk’s license will be revoked and reassigned,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the United Street Vendors’ Movement, which held a protest at the municipal assembly on Tuesday, reported progress after meeting with assembly president Carlos Caiado.
“We’ve achieved an important milestone: the formation of a working group that includes street vendor representatives to discuss safety, sanitation standards, and, most importantly, the legal recognition of our sector,” the group said.