Rio's 'Zero Tolerance' Program Targets 153 Street Vendors on Beachfront in First Weekend

Rio de Janeiro's "Zero Tolerance" program, a joint initiative by the City Hall and State Government to enhance urban order along its coastline, addressed 153 street vendors during its inaugural weekend. The operation covered an eight-kilometer stretch of the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leme, and Leblon. Data collected up to Saturday, February 18th, revealed the seizure of six three-wheeled carts, fourteen smaller carts, three vehicles used for storage, 178 beverages lacking proof of origin, and 198 food items without origin identification. Launched on Thursday, February 16th, the program aims to curb irregular occupation of public spaces and combat extortion, with authorities stating that criminal factions control some of the beachfront vending. Security forces are participating in these enforcement actions. A formally licensed artisan vendor, Pedro Barbalho, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for both regulation and dignity for workers who contribute to the local economy. However, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has requested the program's suspension. In a lawsuit, the MPF argues that the City Hall implemented a permanent enforcement policy without adhering to federal regulations governing these spaces, which are considered federal property. The MPF is seeking a joint, participatory plan from the Union and the municipality to manage these areas, balancing urban order, organized crime combat, and the rights of street vendors. Assistant Regional Prosecutor for Citizen Rights, Júlio Araújo, contends that the city's actions disregard federal norms for managing these public spaces.