The president of the National Association of Restaurants (Asonares), Elizabeth Scheker, urged senators not to increase the ITBIS (VAT) tax from 12 to 16% as part of the proposed fiscal reform package. She said the increase will mean patrons will have to pay a minimum of 26% on what they consume, and this is without including the additional 10% goods and service charge that is customary. Scheker fears the increase will considerably reduce the number of restaurant-goers, possibly affecting the business of around 1,000 restaurants that employ 100,000 people.