Café and restaurant business owners have started protesting near Dharubaaruge in Male’ City after the government has banned vehicle traffic in Male’ City from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The rally is raising concerns about business losses following the new regulation.

The Restaurant Association of Maldives told One Online that the protest rally is not related to the association but organized by a group of restaurant owner and no member of the association would be taking part in the rally.

They said that the association is in talks with various entities of the government to address the challenges to the cafés and restaurant businesses.

Protestors at the rally are calling to show a reason for the new regulations banning vehicle traffic and accused the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of insulting small businesses.

The new regulation banning vehicle traffic in Male’ City, Vilimale’ and Hulhumale’ from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. was announced at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) press conference last night. HPA said that the decision was made to discourage social gatherings by the youth.