Imperatriz court prohibits private events violating Silence Law

A court has ordered the municipality of Imperatriz to cease authorizing or licensing private events and shows that violate Municipal Law 1.110/2004, commonly known as the ‘Lei do Silêncio’ (Silence Law). The ruling, prompted by an action from the Public Ministry of Maranhão (MPMA), imposes a fine of R$ 10,000 for every irregular license issued.

The legal challenge follows the issuance of Decree No. 134/2026, which granted an exceptional extension of operating hours until 4:00 AM for a private event held on May 9 at the Imperatriz Exhibition Park. Under local law, establishments must adhere to restrictions between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM. While the law allows for exceptional extensions, it requires proof of public interest and compliance with safety and violence prevention measures.

The MPMA argued that the municipality's justifications, which focused primarily on economic impacts such as benefits to the hotel, restaurant, and transport sectors, did not sufficiently demonstrate a public interest that outweighs the need for public peace and urban order. Furthermore, the prosecution noted a lack of specific administrative procedures or legal opinions to support the decree.