Iran Seals Over Hundred Businesses For Violations During Ramadan

Authorities of the Islamic Republic have sealed over a hundred shops across various cities including after being accused of disrespecting the month of Ramadan.

Iranians are required to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan, even if inside their vehicles. Article 638 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code, implemented about 12 years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, mandates penalties ranging from 10 to 60 days imprisonment or up to 74 lashes for violating fasting regulations, applicable to all regardless of religion.

The Prosecutor of Hamedan, Hassan Khanjani, announced the sealing of 65 businesses along with a food court for “non-compliance with Ramadan regulations” on Saturday.

In a similar vein, the police commander of Rey said that "24 defiant businesses and violators of the Ramadan regulations have been sealed off as part of the supervision plan on establishments during Ramadan." Additionally, he added that 73 other businesses have been warned of closure.

The crackdown follows Iranian media reports in mid-March detailing the sealing of four restaurants in Abhar, Zanjan province, and 10 businesses in Dezful, Khuzestan province, forfailing to observe strict Ramadan mandatory regulations.

Officials of the Islamic Republic issue warnings annually during Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of fasting. On March 20, Deputy Interior Minister for SecurityAffairsMajid Mirahmadi cautioned against "public fast-breaking" by Norouz travelers, citing Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code, which deems eating in public a punishable offense.

Mirahmadi reiterated the prohibition on operating businesses such as restaurants, cafes, teahouses, and food vendors within cities before sunset.