Restaurants in Baja California Sur are preparing to raise menu prices by 10% following the introduction of a new environmental sanitation fee, according to the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC).
Lorena Hinojosa, a CANIRAC advisor, explained that the fee is intended to support “a comprehensive and continuous process to keep restaurants free of microbiological and physical threats,” through proper cleaning and disinfection practices.
However, Hinojosa criticized the measure, calling it an additional financial burden on already compliant businesses.
“We always make an effort to fully comply, but enough with so much additional taxation,” she said. “This sanitation tax will only apply to established businesses.”
Under the new rule, restaurants must add the 10% fee to customer bills and then transfer the amount to the government.
Hinojosa warned that the measure could drive customers to informal eateries that are not subject to the fee.
“This additional obligation could influence diners’ choices, pushing them toward informal businesses where these charges don’t apply,” she said.
