Ban on late-night functioning of shops in force on Kovoor-Iringadanpally road

Late-night shop restrictions in Kozhikode due to drug peddler concerns, with police and traders at odds over ban.

Late-night functioning of shops on the Kovoor-Iringadanpally road in Kozhikode city will be restricted after 10.30 p.m. for a month following a joint decision by the police and local administrators. The move comes after a meeting addressing residents’ complaints and traders’ counterarguments.

The restriction was imposed after strong protests from residents, who alleged that drug peddlers were frequenting the area late at night and using such shops, mainly wayside eateries, as their business hub owing to the lack of enforcement drives. They said they would not tolerate this under the guise of promoting nightlife. The protests escalated after the arrest of a suspected drug pusher from the area.

“No wayside parking will be allowed in the area, as residents had earlier pointed out that it was causing obstructions to emergency vehicles heading to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. Arrangements are in place to intensify night patrol on the route,” said a senior police officer from the Medical College station. He also added that CCTVs would be installed in the area for better surveillance.

Meanwhile, some traders criticised the police for imposing the ban, citing anti-social activities. They argued that traders were not responsible for such issues and that the police should find alternative solutions.

“Some traders started their businesses in the area after securing bank loans. If late-night sales are banned, these entrepreneurs may be forced to shut down,” said a district committee member of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti. He added that the newly constituted subcommittee, formed during the meeting and comprising officials, residents, and merchants, should review the decision constructively after a month.