Six businesses have requested a permit to remain open 24 hours a day in Male’ and Hulhumale’.

The Economic Ministry’s Registrar of Companies Mariya Wisam told RaajjeMV that most of the businesses are cafés and restaurants.

She said that the Ministry is now monitoring the businesses and will issue the permits next week.

Only shops, cafés, and restaurants on the main roads in capital city Male’ will be issued permits to remain open for 24 hours. They will also be required to pay a monthly fee of MVR 2,000.

24-hour businesses are required to have a ban on smoking and CCTV cameras installed with a clear view inside the premises.

Allowing 24-hour businesses is one of the 100-day pledges of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.