Friday 27/March/2026 – 05:34 PM
Hazem Al-Munoufi, a member of the division, confirmed FoodstuffsThe decision to regulate the closing times of commercial stores, which will be implemented starting tomorrow, Saturday, comes at a very important time to support the state’s efforts to achieve discipline within the markets and enhance the efficiency of resource management, most notably the rationalization of energy consumption.
Supermarkets, pharmacies and bakeries are excluded from the decision to close shops
Al-Menoufi explained, in a statement, that the decision stipulates that commercial stores should be closed daily at exactly nine in the evening, with working hours extended until ten in the evening on Thursdays and Fridays, for a period of one month, indicating that this regulation contributes to achieving a balance between the continuation of economic activity and controlling the rhythm of the market in a way that serves the public interest.
He added that the state was keen to exclude activities related to the basic needs of citizens, which include pharmacies, grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries and ovens, as well as shops selling vegetables and fruits, and restaurant delivery services, in order to ensure that vital services are not affected and that basic goods continue to be regularly available.
The association’s president stressed that the actual implementation of the decision begins tomorrow, which requires all business owners to quickly prepare and fully adhere to the specified deadlines, in order to avoid exposure to the prescribed penalties, which amount to a fine of 20,000 pounds in the event of a violation.
Al-Menoufi pointed out that these measures reflect a clear trend towards controlling markets and achieving justice among all parties, stressing that adherence to the decision would contribute to creating a more stable and disciplined commercial environment, and enhance consumer confidence in the market.
He concluded his statement by calling on all merchants and shop owners to fully cooperate with the executive authorities during the implementation period, stressing that collective commitment is the best way to make the decision successful and achieve its economic and regulatory goals.
