A nightclub in Mexico City has sparked a viral reaction by introducing tiered cover charges, with US citizens paying nearly $300 (5,000 pesos) while Mexicans and other Latin Americans pay just $14 (250 pesos). The Japan nightclub in the Roma Norte neighbourhood announced the policy on Instagram, offering a 93% discount to non-US foreigners and a 95% discount to Mexicans and Latin Americans. The post has received over 26,000 likes and widespread support.
Owner Federico Crespo said the move is a response to deteriorating US-Mexico relations under Donald Trump and the gentrification driven by an influx of American digital nomads. 'This is a response to a year of insults directed at us – as a country – by the United States. It’s very much a response to the many attacks against Mexico from Trump,' he said. Crespo also cited rising rents, a proliferation of Airbnbs, and displacement of locals in trendy areas like Roma and Condesa.
Last year, protests against 'gringo' gentrification turned violent, with marchers smashing windows and graffiti reading 'Get out of Mexico.' The pandemic saw a surge in American remote workers taking advantage of lower costs, exacerbating tensions. Crespo noted that extra cover charge revenue is distributed among club workers to help with rising living costs.
