The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) announced on 29 April 2025 the temporary closure of a dozen commercial establishments situated on Boca Chica beach in eastern Santo Domingo. The agency stated the businesses failed to comply with regulations mandating the visible display of product prices, as stipulated by Law 358-05.
Eddy Alcántara, the executive director of Pro Consumidor, explained that a team of inspectors surveyed the area to ensure adherence to the previously communicated regulation. He noted that businesses were informed of the requirement and that meetings were held with merchants and union representatives, where it was made clear that those failing to visibly display prices per pound and per unit would face sanctions or closure.
“And that is precisely what we have done, sanctioning those businesses that did not comply with the legal disposition that created Pro Consumidor,” Alcántara added.
He emphasized that businesses were previously notified of their obligation to make unit and per-pound costs transparent, following numerous complaints from consumers alleging deception or fraud when purchasing products on Boca Chica beach.
“By closing the businesses that disregarded the regulations, the aim is to guarantee that both national and foreign visitors are properly informed about prices, thereby preventing abuses and claims that were occurring,” Alcántara clarified.
Alcántara expressed gratitude for the support received from merchant unions, the Boca Chica City Council, the Tourist Police (Politur), and other collaborating institutions during the operations.
Consumers are alerted to not patronize restaurants that do not list their prices. Moreso, to be wary of guides that take tourists to restaurants that later hike up the prices to pay for the commission to the guide.
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ProConsumidor
7 Dias
30 April 2025