Ministry grants temporary permit for cafes to stay open until 3:00 a.m.

Following the kick-off of the international football festival World Cup last night, Ministry of Economic Development has decided to grant temporary permits to cafes and restaurants to stay open until 3:00 a.m.

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said that the reason for this is that several matches will be played past midnight local time.

He added that the permit can be obtained from Sunday until the end of the World Cup.

Young people often gather at cafes and restaurants in Male’, which are presently open until 1:00 a.m., to watch the matches with friends.