Not a single business has applied for Hanoi’s much-heralded extension of night opening hours as the city’s regulations appear to be far too stringent.
Bar owners blank Hanoi extended opening hours
The opening hours for cafes, restaurants and bars will be extended to 2am. The owners must go the authorities to register the new opening hours.
However, Tran Thi Nga, vice chairman of Hang Buom Ward, one of the wards in the city with a large number of cafes and restaurants as well as domestic and foreign visitors, said they hadn't seen anyone. Nga said they already issued the instruction and announced the plan on August 28.
Dong Xuan Ward which has many restaurants and cafes also haven't seen any owners come to register for new opening hours yet.
Lieutenant Bui Xuan Thang, vice head of Dong Xuan Ward police force said small restaurants and cafes were unlikely to extend their opening hours due to the city's requirements.
Those who wish to operate until 2am must have all business papers and licences, soundproof walls if necessary, certificates on food and fire safety and free wifi for customers. Small restaurants must upgrade infrastructure and services first before they are allowed to operate longer than midnight.
