The Lebanese Miracle: "Paid with Lira and Dollars!"

Lebanon is going through one of its worst economic crises, but its people are inherently "cheerful." Despite this crisis, enjoying a meal at a restaurant is nearly impossible without a prior reservation. Although the Ministry of Tourism has allowed tourism establishments to set prices in dollars, few restaurants have chosen to rely on the dollar and the majority have focused on advertising their prices only in Lebanese Lira. What is the reason behind this? The head of the Association of Restaurant Owners, Cafés, Nightclubs, and Patisseries in Lebanon, Tony Rami, explains that the Ministry of Tourism's decision is optional, and each establishment prices according to its geographical location, the number of seats, the level of services it offers, and the nature of its clientele. For instance, Asian cuisine establishments have adopted the dollar due to operational costs and procurement and labor expenses. He adds, in an interview with MTV, "It is preferable to continue to pay in Lebanese Lira as long as the currency remains stable; however, in case of fluctuations, pricing in dollars will undoubtedly be adopted." He continues: "Therefore, as long as the currency is stable, we will announce our prices in Lebanese Lira to support our clientele in domestic tourism and what remains of the middle class." What about the restaurant sector's situation with the start of the tourism season? Rami confirms that "activity improves gradually, especially as we enter the Eid al-Adha holiday, where the occupancy rate will be a hundred percent, and thus, we will witness the season's opening," noting that "the restaurants are 'fully booked' during the holiday."