Kathmandu, Sept 15: Alcohol shops, street vendors, and small businesses in Thamel and surrounding areas will now be allowed to operate only until 10 PM.
The Thamel Tourism Development Council made this request following an increase in theft, crowding, and robberies during nighttime hours.
Punyaram Lageju, the acting secretary general of the council, said ensuring the safety and peace of tourists visiting Thamel is the council’s top responsibility.
“Because small businesses and alcohol shops have increased street congestion, the decision was made to allow them to stay open only until 10 PM,” he said. “Recently, unwanted activities have also risen in Thamel, so small businesses must close earlier.”
Lageju added that the rise in street disturbances and fights has made it necessary to strengthen security measures.
A nighttime business owner noted that 24-hour alcohol sales have directly affected larger businesses operating in Thamel. “Businesses that pay higher taxes have been significantly impacted,” he said. “Tourists coming to hotels and restaurants after drinking alcohol are not spending as expected, so trade has been affected.”
He pointed out that there is a difference in the revenue paid by small businesses versus larger ones. He suggested the government set fixed hours and rules to create a better business environment for smaller operators.
With the tourist season underway, he said it is important to send the message that Thamel is safe and peaceful. He added that petty businesses have contributed to thefts and robberies, which makes the area feel unsafe. “People spend the night drinking on the streets, making noise,” he said.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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