President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced his government’s decision to allow local stores and café’s to be kept open round the clock.

This has been included among the things that the Maldives seventh President will accomplish within the first 100 days of his administration and will be put into effect within the first 30 days.

Round the clock shops and cafes were allowed during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration as well. As such, in December 2010, Nasheed had granted approval for wholesalers and retailers as well as local café’s and restaurants to be kept open 24 hours. However, Dr. Mohamed Waheed had renounced this decision after the downfall of Nasheed’s government in 2012.

Moreover, Solih’s government is also to submit a Consumer Protection Act and an Anti-Trust Act to the Parliament floor as well.

Currently, stores are not allowed to remain open after 10pm. The government had in early April 2018, allowed restaurants to be kept open until 1am and petrol sheds till 12am.