The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has shut down a local long-running café in capital city Malé.

The HPA said that the budget outlet was closed because it was found to be in violation of the agency’s hygiene standards.

The HPA’s notice said that such decisions are made to ensure public safety and to protect the customers that go there. The notice is currently placed at the entrance to the premises.

The HPA’s regulations state that outlets that provide services or food that does not meet its standards for hygiene will be either shut down or penalized appropriately.

The budget outlet, and its menus and services, are set to a low-price model seen throughout the country.

The Rahdhebai Café has been running for years.