MoI denies midnight shop closure reports

The Interior Ministry yesterday denied reports on various media regarding the ministry's intention to close restaurants, shops and cafes by midnight on weekdays and at 1:00 am on weekends and public holidays. The security media department, denied issuing such a decision, saying the reports were "baseless".

Meanwhile, Municipality officials announced that they are studying the issue but no final decision has been taken on its implementation.

The reports published in the press yesterday said shops, restaurants, cafes, billiard halls and similar businesses should close by midnight during weekdays and by 1:00 am on weekends in all residential, commercial and investment areas. Shops in the industrial areas of Shuwaikh, Sharq, Ardiya, Subhan, Fahaheel and others will have to close by 10:00 pm. /div>