Moroccans Outraged by Soaring Cafe Prices During Africa Cup Matches

Moroccans are crying out in outrage at the "unrealistic" and "fanciful" prices in some cafes they currently frequent to watch the Atlas Lions’ matches in the Africa Cup of Nations. Some had a bitter experience during the match between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which ended in a draw (1-1). From their testimonies, it appears that cafe owners imposed rates ranging from 30 to 50 dirhams in ordinary cafes, while rates exceeded 70 dirhams for a simple coffee in upscale cafes in the economic capital, such as Maârif and Ain Diab, reports Hespress. Another observation: the sale on Instagram by certain restaurants in Casablanca of tickets two days before the match via social networks, particularly on Instagram. They offered an immersive match experience with entertainment and chants for rates ranging from 100 to 200 dirhams, which does not necessarily include consumption.

"For a long time, I prefer to watch the matches with my family. We supported the Lions in all the World Cup matches in Qatar, but we are always faced with an unreasonable problem caused by cafe owners. That of high prices," confirms Mouhsine, who had chosen to watch the match with his family in a cafe in Hay Chrifa. For him, "watching the match with my wife and children at home is no different, but the exciting national atmosphere in the cafe we frequent has a unique taste." However, the exorbitant prices are an obstacle. An unfortunate situation for Mouhsine, who calls for closer monitoring of the practices of cafe owners on such occasions.

Stressing that Law 104.12 on freedom of prices and competition regulates transactions related to free competitions in all purchase and sale transactions, an associative activist states that the consumer has the right to choose. However, the issue is national and requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, he notes, also stressing the importance of displaying the price list in all establishments.