Amid growing consumer demand and the city's developmental progress, strict measures are being taken against traders who violate regulations by closing their businesses before 4:00 in the evening (4:00 local time).
While the directive requiring commercial establishments to operate until 4:00 local time was designed to facilitate public transportation and consumer mobility as well as foster a strong work ethic, authorities noted that some traders continue to shut their doors early in defiance of the law. City-wide institutions and sub-city trade offices are coordinating rigorous monitoring efforts to curb this illegal practice.
According to Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City Trade Office Head Mekonnen Zenebe, inspections are actively underway within the sub-city against businesses failing to conduct nighttime trade and breaking the rules, with disciplinary measures already taken against 18 commercial establishments.
He emphasized that the nighttime trading culture aligns with the working hours of various community segments and plays a vital role in boosting work ethics.Similarly, Lemi Kura Sub-City Trade Office Head Samuel Bisetegn recalled that extensive awareness campaigns were conducted to institutionalize the nighttime trade system.
Noting that initial gaps concerning trader needs have been addressed including the arrangement of nighttime public transport services he affirmed that corrective measures against rule-breaking businesses will continue to be intensified.Addis Ababa Trade Bureau Head Habiba Siraj pointed out that the capital's ongoing development and economic activities are extensive.
Because numerous institutions have work hours extending into the evening, she stressed that traders must fulfill their responsibility to serve the public up to the designated hour.Stating that measures have already been taken against over 1,000 traders across the capital for failing to follow the nighttime trade system and violating the law, Habiba warned that oversight efforts will be reinforced to fully enforce the regulations.
Under the nighttime trade and transport regulations issued by the Addis Ababa City Administration, all commercial establishments are mandatorily required to remain open from 12:00 to 4:00 in the evening local time.The directive mandates that businesses operating with closed doors must display an illuminated sign showing they are open, and must continue providing daytime goods and services fully.
Additionally, roadside institutions are obligated to keep their exterior and interior lights on from 12:00 in the evening to 12:00 in the morning local time.Violations such as closing before the set hour, hoarding available goods while claiming they are out of stock, failing to turn on lights, or overcharging transport tariffs carry fines ranging from 10,000 birr to between 5,000 and 7,000 birr.
The regulations stipulate that repeated offenses will incur escalating penalties, and failure to correct the violations will result in severe administrative measures, including the suspension or revocation of trade licenses and the termination of government rental property contracts.
