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Complaints About Minimum Consumption and Snacks Starting at R$ 150 Increased Pressure for Inspection and Exposed the Impact on the Wallets of Beachgoers.
The outrage over exorbitant prices at beach kiosks in Cabo Frio and Armação dos Búzios gained traction on social media and accelerated the presence of Procon in the Lagos Region.
The issue affects the daily lives of those looking for tables, chairs, and umbrellas on the beach who face consumption requirements and high prices for simple items.
The most talked-about incident involves the dentist Victória Pinheiro, who reported difficulty purchasing the cheapest snack on the menu, costing R$ 150, and felt pressured to choose more expensive options.
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What Happened and Why It Caught Attention
The situation exploded after videos and reports about high charges at kiosks and stalls on the busiest beaches in the region. A video by Victória Pinheiro surpassed 1 million views on TikTok.
The incident occurred last Saturday (27), at a kiosk on Praia do Forte, when she tried to order snacks around R$ 150 and was repeatedly told they were not available.
The series of denials led to the suggestion of a trio costing R$ 360, reinforcing the sense of embarrassment and pressure to spend more.
How the Requirement to Use the Table Worked
The guidance received before seating was clear on one point: it was necessary to consume at least one snack to use the table. There was no indication of a minimum amount or which item should be chosen.
However, in practice, the attempt to buy cheaper options did not progress. Six pastries, cassava cake, chicken skewers, and cassava fries were mentioned, all priced between R$ 150 and R$ 160, with the response that they were unavailable.
The final recommendation was a more expensive item, which increased discomfort and the perception of coercion during the service.
Cited Values and Impact on Beachgoers
With the beach crowded and high demand for services, complaints about minimum consumption for the use of tables, chairs, and umbrellas surged. The issue gained even more traction on busy days.
Among the cited prices are simple portions, such as fries and pastries, costing R$ 150. There were also mentions of minimum consumption requirements between R$ 400 and R$ 500.
In Cabo Frio, tourists from Minas Gerais reported paying R$ 450 for a plate of fish deemed unfit for consumption.
Complaints in Búzios and Prices at Praia de Geribá
Critiques also reached Praia de Geribá, in Armação dos Búzios, particularly regarding high prices for simple meals. One cited example was chicken fillet with rice, fries, and salad for R$ 470.
On the same menu, six pastries were priced at R$ 150. Other mentioned snacks included fish strips at R$ 190 and garlic and oil shrimp at R$ 200.
On social media, comments compared the prices to a test of economic endurance, reinforcing the discomfort of those seeking leisure who encounter unexpected costs.
Who Has Rights and What the Law Says When Applicable
The beach is public property, and the use of the sand area should be free. Charges for remaining in the area, linked to tables, chairs, or umbrellas, became the focal point of complaints.
The practice of requiring minimum consumption has been deemed prohibited by the Consumer Defense Code, which raised alarms among tourists and residents.
Consumers have been advised to avoid direct confrontation and seek support from authorities in cases of abusive charges or inappropriate impositions.
What Can Happen From Now On With the Inspection
Procon has intensified actions in the Lagos Region. In Cabo Frio, there was a meeting involving the agency’s coordination, Mayor Dr. Serginho (PL), municipal secretaries, and representatives of vendors to align practices.
Copies of the Consumer Defense Code were distributed and the need to respect customer rights was reinforced. Inspections are expected throughout the summer.
In Búzios, teams with members of Procon RJ fined stalls for exorbitant prices and sanitary violations last Wednesday (31), with another action on Thursday (2).
During the inspection at Geribá beach, expired food was found, along with inadequate packaging and improper storage. Unfit products were collected and disposed of. Those fined were given a deadline of 24 hours to adjust prices and comply with legal standards. A parking lot was also targeted for charges above what is permitted.
The City Hall of Búzios reported that inspections will be reinforced throughout the summer season to protect consumers and ensure service regularity.
The rise in complaints has placed exorbitant prices and minimum consumption at the center of the debate in Cabo Frio and Búzios, with a direct impact on the wallets of those seeking the beach.
With actions from Procon, fines, and a 24-hour deadline for adjustments in Búzios, the trend is towards greater pressure for compliance and a summer with more respect for consumers.
Muito absurdo ter que pagar um valor altíssimo para frequentar a praia,sempre fiquei indignada com isso.
As prefeturas, no geral, só fiscalizam quando o caso chega a mídia. Na região dos Lagos, RJ, Não só alimentação e bebidas estão com preços fora da realidade combustível muito caro, GNV, os valores são inviáveis.