The economic ministry has stated that cafés and restaurants will be allowed to remain open until 1am from August 18 onwards.

In a tweet on Thursday night, the ministry stated that cafés and restaurants will be allowed to close at 1am from August 18 to 31.

The ministry did not disclose a reason for the decision.

In April, the ministry stated that they would soon allow stores, cafés, and restaurants to remain open 24 hours a day. Speaking on state-TV PSM at the time, deputy economic minister Adam Thaufeeq said that they were making “final preparations” on making it happen.

Stores, cafés, and restaurants were allowed open for 24 hours a day during Mohamed Nasheed’s administration. The decision was considered to be an overwhelmingly positive one for people's convenience and wellbeing but was overturned during Dr. Mohamed Waheed’s administration.