Midnight curfew for chai dhabas

The police have restricted teashops to operate only until midnight. Any tea cafe, tea stall popularly known as chai dhaba, found violating the curfew would attract a forced shut down by the police.

On Thursday night, the police conducted raids in various areas shutting down roadside tea stalls. However, barbecue and other eateries in some areas, like Haider Chowk, remained open throughout the night.

According to the police, late-night tea stalls have become a safe haven for criminals, who use these spots to plan and wait for the perfect moment to commit crimes. A similar crackdown a few months ago in Tower Market and surrounding areas led to a significant decrease in crimes, but the efforts were later relaxed.

This recent move comes after a violent incident at a chai dhaba in Talak Chari, where a clash between two armed groups resulted in one death and another injury. The police have also said that many tea stall owners encroach on public spaces, setting up seating areas despite clear directives from the Sindh High Court to remove such encroachments.

Meanwhile, All Hyderabad Hotels and Restaurants Association has strongly opposed the ban, labeling it a conspiracy against the hotel industry. During a meeting in Latifabad, led by President Nawab Khan, the association expressed concerns that the already struggling industry, facing issues with gas, water, and electricity, would face further setbacks and unemployment due to the midnight closure rule.

The association condemned the recent incidents in SITE Area and Talak Chari, demanding that the district administration, SSP Hyderabad, and the Mayor provide protection to the hotel industry and allow legitimate businesses to operate. The meeting was attended by key members of the association, including General Secretary Ghulam Sarwar Chandio, Haji Amir Rehman, Syed Abdul Shah, Adeel Nawab, Javed Agha, Saqib Shaikh, Ainuddin Kakar, and others.