No permit for caf

Ministry of Economic Development has said that it will not re-issue permits for cafés and shops to stay open 24 hours a day.

The statement follows reports that Male’ City Council will seek approval from the Ministry to allow 24-hour permits for establishments in the capital.

Economic Ministry’s Director General Usman Shakir told Sun today that Male’ City Council does not have the authority to allow cafés and shops in Male’ to operate 24 hours. However, the council has the power to issue trade permits.

Male’ City Council member Samau Shareef told Sun on Tuesday that the decision to seek Ministry approval was made by the council.

“A large number of people come to Male’. A lot of people want to see places with 24-hour service. So we decided to pursue this,” Samau said, referring to the Male' City Council decision.

Following a Cabinet decision against an upsurge in social issues, Ministry of Economic Development cancelled all 24-hour permits in October 2012.