Rabat Mayor Cracks Down on Unlicensed Cafes and Restaurants, Sets June Deadline

In a video posted on social networks, the mayor of Rabat states that it has been found that many cafes, restaurants and merchants are operating without being in possession of an administrative authorization issued by the services under the municipality. Consequently, she has given them an ultimatum to initiate the process of regularizing their situation.

"Between March 4 and June, the merchants concerned by this notice must regularize their situation with the municipality where a special counter will be set up," hammered Asmaa Rhlalou. She threatens to take coercive measures, which may go as far as the closure of businesses, against unscrupulous merchants.

In the eyes of some local councilors, the imposition of this authorization on cafes and restaurants is explained by a desire to increase the tax revenues of the Rabat city hall, whose treasury has been in deficit for several years.