No more samba on the strand? Rio de Janeiro to limit live music on the beaches

 If you have been to Rio de Janeiro’ beaches, this probably sounds familiar: samba music drifting from a nearby kiosk, caipirinha cocktails sold by hawkers, chairs sprawled across the sand.

Now that may become harder to find, unless the vendors have the right permits.

Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree in mid-May establishing new rules for the city’s waterfront saying he wants to preserve urban order, public safety and the environment, as well as promote peaceful relations between tourists and residents.

The new measures are due to come into force on June 1, and they outlaw food and drink sales, chair rentals, loudspeakers and even live music in kiosks without official permits. Also, beach huts will only be allowed to have a number rather than the often-creative names many are currently known by.

Some have welcomed the move to tackle what they perceive as chaotic activity on the beach, but others say the decree threatens Rio’s dynamic beach culture and the livelihoods of many musicians and local vendors who may find it difficult or impossible to get permits.

The move to regulate music on Rio’s beachfronts has particularly struck a nerve.

“It’s difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach,” said Julio Trindade, who works as a DJ in the kiosks. “While the world sings the Girl from Ipanema, we won’t be able to play it on the beach.”

The restrictions on music amounts to “silencing the soul of the waterfront. It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio,” Orla Rio, a concessionaire who manages more than 300 kiosks, said in a statement.

Can this be stopped or changed?

Some are seeking ways to stop the implementation of the decree or at least modify it to allow live music without a permit. But so far to little avail.

The nonprofit Brazilian Institute of Citizenship, which defends social and consumer rights, filed a lawsuit last week requesting the suspension of the articles restricting live music, claiming that the measure compromises the free exercise of economic activity. A judge ruled that the group is not a legitimate party to present a complaint, and the nonprofit is appealing the decision.

Source : https://www.yahoo.com/news/no-more-samba-strand-rio-171750821.html

Comprehension

What kind of new rules did the mayor of Rio de Janeiro issue?
When will the new beach rules take effect?
What activities will need a permit under the new law?
Why are some people unhappy with the new rules?
What will happen to beach huts' creative names?
Who is Julio Trindade, and what is his concern?
How does Orla Rio describe the effect of banning music on the beach?
What legal action has been taken to challenge the decree?
What did the judge say about the nonprofit’s lawsuit?
What is the nonprofit group doing now?

Discussion

Have you ever been to a beach with music and street vendors? What was it like?
Do you think music should be allowed in public spaces like beaches? Why or why not?
Should cities control noise and activity in tourist areas, or let people enjoy freely?
How important is local culture (like music and food) for tourism?
What could happen to local workers if these rules are enforced strictly?
Would you enjoy visiting a quiet, orderly beach or a lively one with music and vendors?
How do your city or country manage public spaces like parks or beaches?
Have you ever needed a permit to do something? Was it easy to get?
Do you think the mayor’s goals are fair, even if some people lose business?
If you were a local DJ or vendor, what would you do to keep your job under the new rules?

Vocabulary

Decree – An official order or decision made by a government or leader.
Permit – A legal document giving someone permission to do something.
Hawker – A person who sells goods in public places, often by shouting.
Livelihood – A way of earning money to live.
Outlaw – To make something illegal or not allowed by law.
Vibrant – Full of life, energy, and activity.
Authentic – Real or true; not fake.
Concessionaire – A person or company that has the right to sell something in a specific area.
Appeal – To ask a higher court to change the decision of a lower court.
Compromise – To harm or weaken something; or to