Cafes in DHA told to close by midnight

CBC issues code of conduct to curb 'drug dealing, other illegal activities' at DHA eateries

Cafes in Defence Housing Authority have been directed to close by midnight and not allow customers entry after 11pm, according to a new code of conduct issued by the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) to curb alleged illegal activities and drug dealing on the eateries' premises.

The code of conduct was issued on Wednesday during a meeting chaired by CBC station commander Abid Ali Askari and called after authorities received multiple complaints of drug trade at cafes in DHA.

As per the code of conduct, strict action has to be taken against drug dealing at cafes, cafes are to submit a list of their staff at relevant police stations, CCTV cameras are to be installed in cafes' surroundings and those practicing beggary in eateries' vicinity must be discouraged.

The CBC has further instructed cafes' managements to avoid setting up tables on footpaths.

Moreover, cafe owners have been directed to constitute a committee, including the participation of all cafes, for ensuring proper implementation of the code of conduct.

The committee members are to inform the police and Anti-Narcotics Force of any illegal activity taking place at any eatery, said CBC president at the meeting. He also asked cafe owners to advise customers against littering.

The owners of cafes in DHA agreed to abide by these instructions, acknowledging that placing tables and chairs on footpath did cause inconvenience to commuters and residents.

Besides, the meeting discussed the problems of increasing number of beggars in DHA and it was decided that the Sindh Police would take measures to end beggary in collaboration with DHA and CBC officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2020.