The Ministry of Justice and Public Security announced it will address requests from deputy Erika Hilton to regulate beach services in Brazil and prevent consumer abuses. The initiative includes guidance for Procons and a good practices manual. The measure responds to complaints of excessive charges in tourist destinations.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security stated on Thursday (8) that it will respond to requests from federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) to combat abusive practices in consumer relations on the country's beaches.
As previously reported, on Monday (5), Erika Hilton sent an official letter to the ministry requesting national coordination to regulate and oversee services offered on Brazilian beaches, aiming to avoid abusive charges to consumers.
According to the ministry, the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon) will prepare a technical note to guide bodies of the National Consumer Defense System, including state and municipal Procons. Additionally, a good practices manual will be produced on the use of chairs, umbrellas, and other beach services, directed at merchants and consumers.
These documents will reinforce rights under the Consumer Defense Code, such as the requirement for clear and prior price information, the illegality of minimum consumption charges, and the prohibition of private appropriation of the sand strip or its exclusive use by merchants.
The action follows complaints of abusive charges in tourist areas, including demands for minimum values for using chairs and umbrellas. A highlighted case involved merchants at Praia da Enseada in Guarujá (SP), who set R$ 380 as the minimum value for these services, a practice deemed illegal by law.
The ministry stresses that the measures aim to prevent abuses and promote transparent and balanced consumer relations in public areas like beaches.