Rio de Janeiro – The mayor of Rio de Janeiro loosen new restrictions on live music on the city’s beaches on Tuesday after many people warned about a threat to the dynamic cultural scene.
Mayor Eduardo Paes earlier this month introduced the measures and reinforced the existing ones, citing the need to protect public safety and the environment and promote peaceful relationships between tourists and residents.
The measures, which will enter into force on Sunday, banned food and drinks sales, chair rentals, speakers and live music in kiosks without official permits.
Critics warned about the threat of livelihoods of many musicians and local Sellers.
The Government of the City of Rio rescinded parts of the decree, including the strict regulation of live musical performances and the prohibition of glass bottles in the kiosks. The owners of beach cabins can show names, not only numbers, provided they follow an established format.
“The music will return to the beaches,” said Julio Trindade, who works as DJ in the kiosks and campaigned against the measure. ” The river beaches are known worldwide And they deserve a soundtrack. “
Other measures, including the prohibition of speakers and the repression of unregulated sales of food and beverages, said the city government, he said in a statement.
“The city is still attentive to our beaches to ensure that public order is maintained and that public spaces continue to be respected,” said Public Order of Rio, Bornno Carnevale, in a statement.
Paes said that the restrictions on live music had been introduced because some kiosks were reproducing music above allowed volumes and beyond the cutting time of the 10 pm.
“Anyone who does not respect the rules will face a fine of 1,000 Reais (around $ 180) for early infraction, a fine of 2,000 reais for the second. And in the third, we will cancel the license and change the owner of the kiosk,” said the mayor.
The United Street sellers movement, which protested Tuesday at the Municipal Assembly, later said it met with the president of the Assembly, Carlos Cico.
“We ensure a crucial step: the creation of a working group with the participation of representatives of street suppliers to discuss security, health regulations and, most importantly, the legalization of our category,” said the movement.
