Business Hours 'Extended, Not Shortened'
By Hadthiah PD Hazair

Bandar Seri Begawan - Local business operators need not fret about the memo issued by the municipal board on January 14 regarding the newly-proposed business hours. The matter will not affect businesses in the country, relevant officials assured in a press conference held yesterday by the board.

In fact, the memo should actually bring good news to local businesses. It served to inform business operators about "an extension from the previous operating hours", Dato Paduka Hj Md Yusop Bakar, Brunei-Muara district officer, said. "The district licensing board has extended business operating hours and not shortened it, as was previously reported," he clarified, addressing the public concern and confusion which has arose recently.

This, the official pointed out, is proof that the district licensing board and the municipal board are attentive and understanding to the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the local business environment.

For business establishments wishing to extend their operating hours, they may do so by first obtaining a permit from the municipal board and the district licensing board.

"The memo serves as a general guideline for business operators ... We are able to give permission for those who wish to extend their operating hours.

"But, this is on a case-by-case basis, and must be backed with solid reasons, taking into account the well-being of the surrounding vicinity (of the business premise)," Dato Hj Yusop said.

Under the new operating hours, supermarkets and convenience stores are allowed to extend their hours by 90 minutes, from 9.30pm to 11pm. Restaurants, food vendors and cafes can now open until midnight, a 60-minute extension from the previous allocated hours.

Although eateries in hotels can operate for 24 hours, business hours for barber shops and beauty salons, however, have remained unchanged, according to the memo.

"This does not mean that we are not flexible to the needs of businesses in Brunei," Dato Hj Yusop reminded, "we welcome application for extended, hours, should it be required."

Initially, news about business establishments hours would be cut short drew concerns from the public, particularly, business owners, fearing the impact on their operations.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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