No. Drinking in public is generally prohibited under Brazil’s Lei das Contravenções Penais (Decree-Law No. 3.688/1941), with municipal ordinances further restricting alcohol consumption in streets, parks, and commercial zones. Enforcement varies by state, but fines and confiscation are common. The 2026 Plano Nacional de Enfrentamento ao Álcool proposes stricter penalties for public intoxication in high-risk areas.
Key Regulations for Drinking in Public in Brazil
- Federal Law (Decree-Law 3.688/1941): Article 34 criminalizes public drunkenness if it disrupts order, with fines up to 20 minimum wages (R$26,400 in 2024).
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like São Paulo (Law No. 17.560/2022) and Rio de Janeiro ban alcohol in beaches, squares, and public transport, imposing fines of R$500–R$5,000.
- State-Specific Rules: Paraná’s Lei Estadual 20.168/2020 restricts sales after 10 PM in certain zones, while Bahia’s Decreto 21.345/2023 targets open containers in tourist-heavy areas.
Local authorities, including Guarda Municipal and Polícia Militar, enforce these rules disproportionately during Carnival and major events. Businesses serving alcohol must display signage warning against public consumption or risk license suspension. Non-residents face higher fines, and repeat offenders may face community service.