Summer nights and holidays are not enjoyable for Lebanese people without visiting restaurants and nightlife. However, with the worsening crisis and the continued collapse of the currency, along with the trend in the tourism sector towards pricing in dollars, this Lebanese tradition has turned into a luxury that seems accessible only to those with salaries in dollars and tourists. The lowest bill for two people exceeds 800,000 Lebanese pounds! Although this amount is close to the minimum wage for an individual, restaurants are "fully booked," and entry requires a reservation days in advance.
In this context, one owner of a restaurant chain in Lebanon commented to "Akhbar Al-Yawm," saying that those who cannot afford the bills can look for other places, asserting that profits are not as high as some might think. He mentioned the diesel bill, as they provide electricity 24/7 to prevent food spoilage, in addition to employee salaries, transportation fees, and the cost of food products, all of which have significantly increased. Furthermore, they are still adhering to sterilization protocols and mask-wearing.
While the significant price differences between restaurants for the same dish are notable, alongside daily price changes reflecting fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate, the same restaurant owner stated: The freedom to set prices belongs to each establishment, which determines prices based on its expenses and customer demands.
On the other hand, an economic source explained through "Akhbar Al-Yawm" that the profit margin regulation issued by former Minister of Economy Mohammad Safadi in September 2008 covers specific items as follows:
- Fats and oils: 7% for wholesale and half wholesale, 10% for retail.
- Meats: 5% for wholesale and half wholesale, 10% for retail.
- Grains and their derivatives and animal feed: 5% for wholesale and half wholesale, 10% for retail.
- Fruits and vegetables and their derivatives: 7% for wholesale and half wholesale, 15% for retail.
- Nuts: 10% for wholesale and half wholesale, 15% for retail.
- Sweets and candies: 10% for wholesale and half wholesale, 15% for retail.
- Soap and its derivatives: 7% for wholesale, 10% for half wholesale, 15% for retail.
- Various goods (coffee, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, sanitary paper): 7% for wholesale, 10% for half wholesale, 15% for retail.
He added that based on this list, restaurants could remain outside of it, opening the door to competition, as they do not fall under the category of essential goods.
However, the source highlighted the importance of activating the National Consumer Protection Council, which is chaired by the Minister of Economy and includes representatives from nine ministries, consumer groups, and chambers of commerce, industry, and agriculture, as well as industrialists. This council could discuss and propose economic and financial solutions that would develop the economy and secure citizens' rights. Organizing tourism sectors, including restaurants, comes under this category.
He believes that to enhance competition, the Ministry of Tourism could announce which restaurants are the cheapest by providing price lists, which might encourage price reductions to fit into this competitive framework.
In response to a question, the source indicated that each restaurant sets prices based on customer preferences, with the most requested items potentially priced higher.
He concluded by stating that price differences have always existed, but they are now more pronounced due to the rise in the dollar’s value. If the difference used to be around 1,500 Lebanese pounds (equivalent to one US dollar), it has now risen to approximately 45,000 pounds, considering the exchange rate is 30,000.
