Rio passes a law to prohibit beach vendors from selling past 6pm

A new municipal law in Rio de Janeiro restricts informal beach vendors from operating after 6pm, sparking debate among vendor communities and local authorities.

2026-03-02 — Aki Team

Rio de Janeiro has passed a controversial new municipal law that prohibits informal beach vendors from selling their goods after 6pm. The law, which came into effect this month, has sparked significant debate among vendor communities, city officials, and tourism advocates.

What the Law Says

The new regulation limits the operating hours of all informal vendors along Rio's famous beach corridors — including Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon — to between 6am and 6pm. Vendors found operating outside these hours face fines and potential confiscation of goods.

Impact on Vendors

Many vendors say the evening hours are their most profitable, especially during the summer months when beach-goers often stay well past sunset. "This is how I feed my family," said one vendor who has been selling drinks on Copacabana for over 15 years.

How Aki Helps

Platforms like Aki are helping vendors adapt — by going digital, vendors can take pre-orders during permitted hours, build customer bases, and optimize their daytime operations to maximize revenue within the new legal framework.