The Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) has identified a type of fraud occurring in restaurants along the boardwalk in La Paz. According to Canirac representative Lorena Hinojosa Oliva, certain individuals consume food at these establishments and leave without paying, offering various excuses.
“We have observed this mainly in the boardwalk area. Almost all restaurants have cameras, and evidence has been presented to the municipal authorities. These individuals consume food and then leave without paying, using excuses like ‘I didn’t like it,’ ‘it was cold,’ or ‘there was a hair in the dish.’ This behavior is repetitive, with the same people targeting different establishments, making it a modus vivendi of defrauding businesses,” Hinojosa Oliva explained.
Business representatives have filed complaints with municipal authorities, noting that the perpetrators are often outsiders or homeless individuals. Restaurateurs maintain constant communication to avoid serving these individuals.
“We have shared this information with colleagues who have experienced this issue. They have filed the necessary complaints with the municipal authorities. It is almost always people from outside or homeless individuals who show up at these places. We have identified them and communicate among ourselves to stay alert and avoid serving them,” she asserted.
Hinojosa Oliva highlighted that at least eight restaurants on the boardwalk have faced this situation, prompting them to remain vigilant and protect their businesses.
“At least eight restaurants on the boardwalk have encountered this issue. We are on alert among ourselves to take care of and protect our businesses from these individuals,” she said.
She concluded by noting that authorities insist that service cannot be denied to anyone, but restaurants are required to present security camera evidence.
“Authorities say we cannot deny service, so we have approached the municipal police to inform them of what is happening and have provided them with video evidence,” she said.
Source: BCS Noticias
