August M
A nightclub in Mexico City has triggered controversy online after announcing dramatically higher entry prices for American tourists, with the owner describing the move as a response to political tensions and rising anger over gentrification.
The policy comes amid strained relations between Mexico and the United States during Donald Trump’s presidency, alongside growing protests over tourism and housing costs in the Mexican capital, reports UNILAD.
Viral nightclub policy
Japan nightclub, located in the Roma Norte district of Mexico City, drew widespread attention after publishing details of its pricing policy on Instagram.
The club said US citizens would not receive the large discounts offered to locals and most international visitors.
“It’s not that ‘we charge gringos more’ it’s that we offer discounts to people that need it,” the post said.
According to the club, the standard entry fee is 5,000 pesos, equivalent to nearly $300. While visitors from most countries receive discounts of more than 90 percent, Americans are required to pay full price.
Students and teachers reportedly pay only 150 pesos for entry under the discount structure.
Political tensions
Speaking to The Guardian, club owner Federico Crespo linked the decision directly to worsening US-Mexico relations under President Trump.
“This is a response to a year of insults directed at us, as a country, by the United States,” Crespo said.
“It’s very much a response to the many attacks against Mexico from Trump.”
Trump’s presidency has seen repeated disputes with Mexico over immigration, border security, tariffs and other political issues.
Anger over gentrification
The nightclub’s decision also reflects growing frustration in Mexico City over rising rents and the increasing presence of foreign remote workers and tourists in popular neighbourhoods.
Last, anti-gentrification protests erupted in areas including Roma, Condesa and Juárez, where many residents blamed international tourism and short-term rentals for driving up living costs.
Some demonstrations turned violent, with businesses damaged during the unrest.
Crespo said revenue from the higher entry fees would be used to support workers affected by rising housing prices and longer commutes.
“It’s a way to give that money to the people most affected by this issue,” he said.Sources: UNILAD, The Guardian
Sources: UNILAD, The Guardian
