Working to grant 24 hour permits to shops, caf

Male’ City Council (MMC) has said that it will hold discussions with the Ministry of Economic Development next week to seek permits for shops and cafés in Male’ to operate on a 24 hour basis.

Male’ City Council member Samau Shareef told Sun today that the council strongly believes that the capital must have establishments that provide services 24 hours a day.

“We have not ceased efforts to acquire the permits,” Samau said.

Ministry of Economic Development earlier said that it will not re-issue the permits.

Director General at the Ministry of Economic Development Usman Shakir said although the city council has the authority to grant trade permits, it does not have the authority to allow 24 hours permits to shops and cafés.

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