Regulation prohibits display or keeping of goods on pavements

Malé City Council has started implementing a new regulation by virtue of which shops are not allowed to use road pavements to display or keep their items for sale.

However, the regulation does allow shopkeepers to keep items of sale on pavements for two hours every day, for the purpose of loading and unloading for delivery.

The new regulation was published on the gazette last Thursday.

Under the regulation, Malé City Council would have authority to order removal of any goods or sale items kept on road pavements and upon the shopkeeper’s failure to comply, the Council may confiscate any items so kept.

Also, a fine between MVR 1000 and MVR 5000 may be levied on any shopkeeper who fails to clear pavement upon City Council instruction.

Where the shopkeeper fails to pay the fine, the City Council may suspend the shop’s Trade Permit for a period of one year.