Canirac CDMX and Mexico City Government to Sign Agreement for Restaurant Inspections

Web Editor

May 13, 2025

a group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant eating food and drinking wine and talking to ea

Background on Jack Sourasky and the Restaurant Industry

Jack Sourasky, President of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Condiment Industry (Canirac) in Mexico City, is at the forefront of an agreement aimed at clarifying inspection and suspension procedures for restaurants in the capital. The restaurant industry, both nationally and in Mexico City, is a significant economic and tourism driver, employing over 2 million people, with half of those jobs held by women, many of whom are heads of households.

The Need for the Agreement

In recent times, numerous suspensions have been issued by the Invea Central, a body under the Mexico City Government, causing uncertainty and legal challenges for many establishments. These suspensions often stem from discretionary application of requirements, such as document verification, which some argue are not strictly necessary for operation.

Key Objectives of the Agreement

  • Clarity and Standardization: The agreement aims to delineate essential requirements from those used arbitrarily for suspensions, ensuring standardized review criteria to prevent abuses by inspectors.
  • Accessible Guidelines: The agreement will publish clear, accessible guidelines for restaurant owners, inspectors, and local authorities to avoid subjective interpretations of current regulations.
  • Open Communication: Canirac intends to maintain open communication with the 16 boroughs in Mexico City to prevent suspensions that threaten formal employment.

Impact on the Restaurant Industry

By establishing clear rules and a level playing field, the agreement seeks to foster a cleaner, more organized, and robust restaurant industry. Sourasky emphasizes that not all establishments are operating illegally; many merely require guidance to comply with regulations. The agreement encourages a warning system before suspensions, allowing businesses time to rectify any issues.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is Jack Sourasky? Jack Sourasky is the President of Canirac CDMX, representing the interests of the restaurant industry in Mexico City.
  • Why is this agreement important? The agreement aims to clarify inspection and suspension procedures, ensuring fairness and stability for the restaurant industry in Mexico City.
  • What are the main objectives of the agreement? The agreement seeks to standardize review criteria, publish accessible guidelines, and maintain open communication between Canirac, local authorities, and inspectors.
  • How will this agreement benefit the restaurant industry? By establishing clear rules and promoting open communication, the agreement aims to create a more organized, robust, and fair restaurant industry in Mexico City.