At Least 20 Bars and Restaurants in Chetumal Close Due to Economic Hardship

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — At least 20 bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the state capital have permanently closed so far in 2026, a figure that continues to rise as business owners struggle with declining sales and soaring costs for operating permits, according to industry leaders.

Joaquín Noh Mayo, head of the Union of Restaurant, Bar and Similar Owners (Uprobars), said the closures are driven by the inability to pay for the annual renewal of business patents. Without the updated permits, establishments face strict inspections and fines that many cannot afford.

“Just in the first half of this year, I have reports of 20 businesses closing,” Noh Mayo said. “They tell me they can’t withstand the economic situation and can’t afford the patent renewals. With all due respect, the municipal and state governments show no empathy or support. On the other hand, inspections feel like a hunt. If you haven’t paid, it’s not because you don’t want to — it’s because you don’t have the money. Then you get a fine of 75,000 pesos. If I couldn’t pay the renewal, I certainly can’t pay the fine, and that forces us to close.”

Last year, about 32 establishments shut down. Many rent out their spaces and patents to new operators who open under different names, but those too often close after a short time. The worrying trend, Noh Mayo said, is that closures keep happening because it is increasingly expensive to run a business.

Three years ago, the patent renewal fee was 6,000 pesos for a small grocery store, 10,000 pesos for a restaurant, and 12,000 pesos for a bar. Today, those costs have risen to 13,000 pesos for a small store and between 35,000 and 38,000 pesos for a restaurant or bar. Even with discounts of up to 60%, many owners cannot pay.

“They offer a 50% or 60% discount, so the renewal for a small store drops from 13,000 to between 6,500 and 8,000 pesos. For a restaurant, from 25,000 to between 10,000 and 14,000. For a bar, about 19,000. That still hits us hard,” Noh Mayo said. “On top of the renewal, if you rent the business, you also have to pay a commodatum fee that costs the same even with the discount. These are extremely high amounts that Chetumal business owners can no longer bear.”

The situation has led many to transfer or sell their patents. Large beer companies have been the main beneficiaries, buying up permits from owners in financial distress, Noh Mayo added.