Fresh crackdown on beaches divides tourists and locals - 'huge mess'

Visitors to iconic Rio de Janeiro beaches, including the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema, will be fully aware of their iconic atmosphere. Chairs sprawled across the sand, occupied by sunseekers with a caipirinha cocktail in hand, bought from hawkers, while listening to samba music drifting from a nearby kiosk.

However, this renowned atmosphere is about to become much harder to experience thanks to new rules that will come into force in just a few days. From the beginning of June, will be placed on live music, food and drink sales, chair rentals, and even the names of kiosks. Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree earlier this month in a bid to preserve urban order, public safety and the environment, while also promoting peace between tourists and residents.

The new measures are due to come into force on June 1, outlawing many of the businesses that do not have official permits. On top of this, beach huts will only be allowed to have a number, instead of the numerous creative names many are currently known by.

The decree has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming the move to tackle chaotic activity on the beach.

"Copacabana is a neighbourhood for elderly people [...] Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess," said Copacabana resident Maria Lucia Silva, 65, slamming noise and on the beach.

Others, however, have said it threatens Rio's dynamic beach culture and the livelihoods of many musicians and local vendors who are unable to obtain the necessary permits.

"It's difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach," said Julio Trindade, a kiosk DJ, according to . "While the world sings the Girl from Ipanema, we won't be able to play it on the beach."

"It's tragic," said Juan Marcos, a 24-year-old who sells prawns on sticks on Copacabana beach and lives in a nearby low-income community. "We rush around madly, all to bring a little income into the house. What are we going to do now?"

According to a statement by Orla Rio, a concessionaire who manages more than 300 kiosks, the music restrictions amount to "silencing the soul of the waterfront. It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio".

Several critics are seeking ways to stop the implementation of the decree, which is set to take place this Sunday, but with little success. The nonprofit Brazilian Institute of Citizenship, which defends social and consumer rights, has filed a lawsuit requesting the suspension of the articles restricting live music, claiming that the measure compromises the free exercise of economic activity.

However, a judge ruled that the group is not a legitimate party to present a complaint. The nonprofit is appealing the decision.

According to a 2022 report by Rio's City Hall, economic activity on Rio's beaches, excluding kiosks, bars and , generates an estimated 4 billion reais (£520 million) annually.