Rio Relaxes Beach Rules: Music Back, But Vendor Ban Sparks Outrage

Rio de Janeiro Relaxes Beach Restrictions, Sparking Debate: Live Music Returns, But Vendors Face Challenges Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a move that has both pleased and frustrated beachgoers and business owners alike, Mayor Eduardo Paes has partially lifted restrictions on activities along the city's famous coastline. After a period of strict regulations, live music is once again allowed at kiosks, although volume and performance hours are strictly controlled. The ban on serving drinks in glass bottles has also been rescinded. "It's an attraction, a plus," said Erlen Santos, manager of a beachside kiosk, "People end up adding, bringing more clients into the kiosk." However, significant restrictions remain. Unauthorized street vendors continue to be prohibited, causing hardship for many who rely on beach sales for their income. Leonardo Oliveira, a street vendor, expressed concern: "Cheese bread, mate, corn—it's the tradition of the beach. That's what moves the beach." The mayor's office maintains that the restrictions are necessary to maintain order and safety on the beaches. The ban on food sold from traditional wooden stands remains in place, leading to ongoing debates about balancing tourism with local livelihoods and maintaining a clean and safe environment. The partial relaxation of restrictions offers a glimmer of hope for beach businesses, but the continued ban on unauthorized vendors highlights the ongoing challenges of managing one of the world's most iconic urban beaches.