New Delhi - In a move which defies explanation Burmese military junta authorities in the country's commercial hub Rangoon have ordered all shops including restaurants and roadside teashops, to close by 11 p.m. shop owners said.
Shop-owners said local township authorities since last week have been visiting every shop and told owners to down their shutters by 11 p.m.
"We have to request customers to leave, because we were told to do so by the township authorities," the in-charge of a popular restaurant in Bahan township, told Mizzima.
Similarly, another famous restaurant near the Bandola Park in Pabedan Township said, "Authorities came to our shop and told us to close at the latest by 11 p.m. They have informed all the shops around here."
Earlier, authorities had occasionally asked shops and restaurants to close early on particular days, such as days when class XI students complete their final examinations, fearing that the youths might over-enjoy themselves at shops and restaurants.
But this time, the shop owners said, authorities had ordered all the shops and did not part with any information as to when they can go back to normal business.
"Earlier, authorities would ask us to close on days when school students completed their examinations. But this time it has been a week since we were told to close early," a tea shop owner in Tharketha township said.
A beer pub owner in Ahlone Township said, "Earlier, whenever they [authorities] asked us to close early, we were made to sign, but we reopened the next day according to our regular schedule. But this time they have not fixed any dates."
However, shop owners said authorities did not give any reasons or explanation on why they are being asked to close early.
Besides, though authorities will come again to talk to shop owners that flout the order, so far authorities have not taken any action against them, a restaurant owner in Hledan of Kamayut Township.
"So far no action has been taken but if authorities find shops open till late, they would come and talk to the shop owners," he added.
He added that following the new order, customers have decreased and only a few people are seen roaming on the streets.
The night life of Rangoon witnesses several teashops as well as beer bars open till late, with some remaining open for 24 hours.
