Coastal Cafes Spark Outrage: Casablanca’s Summer Price Surge Hits Beachgoers Hard

According to information published on social networks, several coastal establishments, restaurants and cafes operating in very popular areas during the summer such as Mohammedia, Bouznika, Aïn Diab and Dar Bouazza, have significantly increased the prices of dishes and beverages, whether carbonated or bottled. This has irritated many Casablancans. They denounce this increase as unjustified. According to them, some professionals are taking advantage of the tourist season to make excessive profits at the expense of the purchasing power of citizens. They call on the competent authorities to act in order to control prices and put an end to the greed of some cafe and restaurant owners who apply excessive rates without control or sanction.

In a statement to the Al3omk website, the president of the Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection expresses his indignation at the exploitation of the summer vacation period to make excessive profits at the expense of the purchasing power of citizens. He stated that the organization he leads has received a large number of complaints in recent weeks from citizens who have been surprised by "shocking" prices that do not at all reflect the quality of the services offered. "Some bills have reached exaggerated levels, in the absence of minimum standards concerning the quality of the dishes, hygiene or service," they stressed.

The official called for urgent intervention by the local authorities and control services to rectify the situation. He calls for regularly activating control mechanisms on the ground, imposing reasonable and pre-announced rates, and allowing the consumer to have means to report any infringement or questionable practice.