Joint operation in Copacabana issues R$ 12 in fines for illegal occupation of sidewalks.

An inspection coordinated by the South Zone Subprefecture visited 15 establishments. Photos: Carolina Castanho/South Zone Subprefecture

An enforcement operation in Copacabana, carried out between Thursday night and Friday morning (June 19th), resulted in R$ 12,000 in fines being levied against bars and restaurants for illegally occupying public sidewalks. Coordinated by the South Zone Subprefecture, the integrated action with SEOP, the local GEL, Social Assistance, IVISA-Rio and the 19th BPM inspected 15 establishments and issued eight citations for the unauthorized use of tables and chairs.

— More than just an enforcement action, these operations play an important role in raising awareness. Our goal is to strengthen the culture of order in the region, showing that compliance with the rules benefits residents, merchants, and visitors. We will continue to act in an integrated manner to ensure that the use of public spaces takes place with respect for the rules and the rights of all — emphasized the sub-mayor of the South Zone, Pedro Angelito.

During the operation, agents seized 19 batteries, seven gas cylinders, and 124 assorted beverages from unlicensed street vendors, in addition to discarding half a ton of perishable food stored improperly. The inspection covered streets in the neighborhood such as Nossa Senhora de Copacabana and Gustavo Sampaio avenues, and Santa Clara, Ronald de Carvalho, Júlio de Castilhos, Barata Ribeiro, Mascarenhas de Morais, Duvivier, Aires Saldanha, Djalma Ulrich, Conselheiro Lafaiete, and Figueiredo de Magalhães streets.