Traders against imposing time restrictions

Call to let shops function 24/7 during Ramadan season

Instead of imposing time restrictions, merchant outlets in the State should be allowed to function round the clock in view of the Ramadan season, Mujeeb Rahman, State working president, Textile and Garment dealers Association, Kerala, has said. Addressing the media here on Wednesday, he said more working hours meant less rush and hence less chance of COVID-19 spread. Ramadan shopping mostly takes place at night, and the new COVID protocol restraining shops from functioning beyond 9 p.m., would cause huge financial loss to the business community. Mr. Rahman was part of a group of merchant organisation representatives led by the Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry that asserted that the business community was not to blame for the spread of COVID-19, while rallies by political parties remained unchecked ahead of the Assembly polls.