João Pessoa court sets age limits for children at São João festivals

The 1st Vara da Infância e da Juventude in João Pessoa, Brazil, issued a portaria that establishes rules for the admission and stay of children and adolescents at São João celebrations, including open‑air fairs, shows and cultural events. Children under five may attend only until 20:00 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; those aged five to under 12 may stay until 22:00 under the same condition. Minors under 14 cannot enter or remain unaccompanied, while those aged 14 to under 16 may attend without a guardian if they present a written parental authorization. Adolescents 16 and older may remain unaccompanied until midnight.

The ordinance also mandates that event organizers keep parental authorizations on file, obtain judicial permits when required, prohibit exposure of minors to inappropriate situations, and recommend identification bracelets for children up to 12 years. Sales of alcoholic beverages, e‑cigarettes, vapes, shisha and other tobacco‑derived products to minors are forbidden, with enforcement by child‑protection agents. Organizers must display age‑rating information in promotional material and provide facilities to locate missing minors, handing them over to parents or the child‑protection network when necessary.