New Rule Requires Access to Water at Public Events

Taylor Swift has once again left her mark on Brazilian law. Three years after the death of a fan during one of her concerts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has adopted new nationwide rules requiring free access to drinking water at large public events.

Decree 13.109, known as the “Taylor Swift Law,” applies to events open to the public, including concerts, festivals, conferences, trade fairs, sporting events, and cultural events. Under the new rules, organizers must allow attendees to enter with bottles or other personal containers holding drinking water. Organizers may restrict the type of container for legitimate safety reasons, but they must disclose those restrictions in advance.

Events expected to draw more than 1,000 people face additional requirements. Organizers must provide potable water free of charge through drinking fountains or individual containers and place distribution points in easily accessible locations. Selling water at events doesn’t eliminate the obligation to provide free drinking water.

The measure follows the death of Ana Clara Benevides Machado, a 23-year-old woman, during a Taylor Swift concert amid extreme heat. The incident generated widespread criticism over access to water and safety conditions at major entertainment events.

This isn’t the first time Taylor Swift has influenced Brazilian legislation. In 2023, lawmakers proposed another “Taylor Swift Law” to combat ticket scalping after chaos surrounding ticket sales for her Brazilian tour. Three years later, Swift’s impact on Brazilian law has moved from how fans buy concert tickets to what organizers must provide once they enter the venue.