No. Public intoxication is not explicitly criminalized in Brazil, but local authorities may enforce restrictions under municipal or state laws, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. The 2026 Lei de Segurança Pública (Public Security Law) empowers municipal guards to detain individuals causing public disturbances while intoxicated, aligning with broader anti-urban disorder policies.
Key Regulations for Public Intoxication in Brazil
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like São Paulo (Law 16.497/2016) and Rio de Janeiro (Decree 42.880/2018) prohibit public intoxication when it disrupts order, mandating fines or community service for violators. Enforcement targets street vendors or homeless populations disproportionately.
- Military Police Powers: Under the Código de Processo Penal Militar (Military Penal Procedure Code), intoxicated individuals deemed a “risk to public safety” may face temporary detention until sobriety, per Portaria 01/2023 from the Ministry of Justice.
- Tourist Zones: The Agência Brasileira de Inteligência (ABIN) monitors intoxication in high-traffic areas (e.g., Copacabana) under Operação Verão 2026, prioritizing “preventive custody” for non-Brazilian offenders to avoid public incidents.