Dino orders producers to provide free water at shows

The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flávio Dino (PSB), determined that producers of events held during high heat exposure must allow the entry of water bottles for personal use into shows. Furthermore, the Consumer Secretariat’s ordinance, published this Saturday (18), obliges companies to provide free drinking water in “easily accessible hydration islands”. Dino also stated that the ministry “will take appropriate measures” for inspection, including providing for police action, “if necessary”. The rules are valid for 120 days.

The decision came after the death of a 23-year-old girl during a concert by singer Taylor Swift this Friday (17), on a very hot night in Rio de Janeiro. According to Rio city hall, she felt unwell and had a cardiorespiratory arrest. The death is being investigated.

Spectators of the event reported on social media that the public was prohibited from entering the venue with their own water bottles and that many people became ill due to the heat. This Saturday, the temperature in Rio de Janeiro exceeded 41 degrees Celsius.

“The Consumer Protection Code requires that services be safe and suitable for HEALTH. It is unacceptable for people to suffer, faint and even die due to lack of access to water”, said Dino.

The American singer will perform again in the capital of Rio on Saturday and Sunday, at the Nilton Santos Engenhão stadium. In addition to the ordinance from the Ministry of Justice, the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes (PSD) and the state governor, Claudio Castro (PL), demanded new measures from the event organizers, such as bringing forward entry to the show site, installing more drinking fountains in the stadium and increase the number of firefighters and ambulances.