Brazil News
SAO PAULO – State government health officials announced today, that as of Friday, there will be aggressive enforcement of the new law banning alcohol sales to minors. There will be sweeps in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and beach kiosks. Violators are subject to fines of up to R$87,00 reais ($47,000 USD) as well as other sanctions.
Under the new law, businesses can not sell, offer or allow persons under 18 years of age to consume alcohol, even when accompanied by a parent or guardian. According to information released by health officials, during the first month of enforcement, from November 19th to December 19th, 251 sites in the state were fined for breaking the new anti-alcohol law.
Enforcement will be particularly strong during the summer and along the coast. The city of Santos saw the number of enforcement agents increase from 16 to 76. In Santos, during the first month, there were 1,900 sweeps resulting in two fines. Inspectors will be on duty New Years Eve. In the capital, about 80 agents will go to nightclubs, restaurants, buffets, bars, hotels and clubs working from Saturday night through midnight Sunday.
