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BiggerBoca Chica vendors enforce price transparency after ProConsumidor intervention
Santo Domingo.- Businesses at Boca Chica Beach have begun complying with a new regulation from the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (ProConsumidor), which requires the clear and visible display of prices. The measure was introduced following public complaints about vendors charging excessive and unclear prices, often exploiting tourists and locals.
Citizens have praised the initiative for improving transparency and curbing the influence of so-called “buscones” — individuals who manipulated prices to their benefit. Vendors like Ramona acknowledged that while the regulation is fair, many local businesses are struggling due to the ongoing economic crisis. Still, there is hope that the Easter season and clearer pricing will boost tourism and sales.
Visitors to Boca Chica also welcomed the change. One customer expressed relief at knowing prices upfront, though concerns remain about vendors who continue to bypass the rules. Despite lingering issues, both residents and business owners agree the regulation is a step toward greater fairness and accountability.
First step to reduce insane prices for food.
Another stunt of vendors is to bill for bottled beer/wine not ordered. This is done especially when there is a group at the table. When the customer(s) ask for more services of beers or wines, the amount brought to the table is sometimes overlooked by the consumers, opportunity for the vendor to misrepresent, increase the amounts ordered when the bill is tendered. A fix is customers do not allow the vendor to clear the table of bottles during the sit down, until the bill arrives. The exact number of bottles are there to verify the accuracy of the bill.
This is long overdue. The hustlers on Duarte Street in Boca Chica have been pulling this scam for years. The restaurants and bars need to realize that they may make more money by ripping a visitor off for a few dollars but they lose future business because they won’t return, and tell their friends about there bad experience. I wonder if they will actually enforce the new rules?