Ministry of Economic Development has decided to permit 24-hour shops and cafés.

According to the amendments brought to regulations under which cafés, restaurants and local shops may be run, the permit will be granted after a request is made to the councils, and if the establishments fit the required criteria to be kept open for 24 hours.

Local shops and cafés also required to pay a fee of MVR 2,000 along with the request for approval.

Approvals are given for a two-year duration each time and establishments are required to hang up a sign that shows that they operate round the clock.

Local shops will be given the permission to operate for 24 hours based on cleanliness and if surveillance cameras are planted in the premises. The shops are also required to be located where the city or island councils permit them to be.

Cafés, restaurants and canteens will not be permitted to operate round the clock if poorly lit, and they must allocate a no-smoking time between 1am and 4:30am.

Although the Ministry made the decision earlier this week, foreign franchises in the capital city will not be permitted to operate round the clock.

Allowing 24-hour cafés and shops is part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s 100-day agenda and was implemented within the first 30 days. Petrol and diesel establishments are also included in the plan to permit round the clock businesses.