Rio City Hall seized 11 carts and five tricycles from irregular street vendors on the first day of the Tolerância Zero operation along the beachfront.
The operation took place along the stretch between Leme and Leblon. Public Order Department agents inspected 88 vendors and seized 108 drinks and 136 foods without proof of origin. Three vehicles used as unauthorized storage were also taken.
Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere (PSD) announced the program the previous week. His administration identified one thousand illegal vendors in the south zone, of whom 20% would be foreigners, and 22 irregular storage sites. The program deploys 160 agents on 12-hour shifts.
The Movimento Unido dos Camelôs held a protest on Wednesday calling for regulation instead of prohibition. City hall advised workers to register on municipal job platforms and qualification courses.