Businesses, like pubs and nightclubs, are preparing for the effects of new legislation that establish a closing time for all nighttime activities. As of tonight at midnight, the rules are in effect.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) mandates that commercial entertainment establishments such bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and liquor stores close at 1:00 am on weekdays and 2:00 am on weekends.
The new rules, which aim to control noise pollution and nighttime entertainment, go into effect on September 1.
The new laws do not apply to businesses like pharmacies, supermarkets, factories, or contact centers.
Operators of bars and clubs stated that they had not yet evaluated how the new laws would affect business.
“We have reviewed the rules and are prepared to follow them. Although it appears that our business may be impacted, we are unsure of the extent of that impact at this time, according to Samuel Mugisha, proprietor of Maison Noire, a Kicukiro bar and nightclub.
They were considering rescheduling some of their services, according to Yvonne Ahishyize, manager of Iwacu +250, which also contains a bar and nightclub.
The club will open sooner than it did before it was permitted to be open day and night as an example of how we must adjust our services to the new rules, according to Ahishyize.
“We will need to reassess our work plan, but it’s unclear how the regulations will impact how many people we employ, including waiters and entertainers. And that will have an effect on our revenue, she added.
Owner of the Remera bar and restaurant Molato, Moise Mahe, stated: “Due to the nature of our business, we typically start getting guests at 11PM and on. Therefore, our employees will be impacted by the new regulations.
The management of Molato stated that in the worst-case scenario, 40% of their workforce may be let go. Naturally, we are concerned, but we must first assess the effects before we can ask the government to change its mind, he said.
Mahe stated that he and his colleagues were expecting that with time, people would start acting differently and going out sooner.
According to the RDB, businesses may ask for permission to stay open after hours if they are hosting special events, concerts, or other good causes.
“We’re unsure whether any business can apply for permission to open after hours. Clarification is required, according to Mugisha.