The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), on June 27, issued a regulatory compliance public notice it said serves as a formal reminder of a collective duty to maintain public order, promote responsible hospitality, and ensure the safety of all Rwandans and visitors.

It stated that the public notice resulted from a deliberation of a meeting it convened by in collaboration with the City of Kigali, the Rwanda National Police, and key stakeholders in the hospitality sector to address operational concerns affecting public safety, regulatory compliance, and community well-being.

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All hospitality and entertainment businesses are reminded and required to adhere to relevant regulatory measures, effective immediately.

Regarding operating hours, the measures include that bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and liquor stores must close by 1:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and by 2:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Overall, opening hours begin from 5:00 a.m.

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As per the regulations, hotel services can operate 24/7 for in-house guests.

Entities that need to carry out after-hours operations require prior approval through email: regulation.division@rdb.rw

RDB warned that non-compliance with the regulations attracts fines, temporary or permanent closure, license suspension, and other relevant legal actions.

Concerning occupational capacity, RDB indicated that establishments must not exceed authorised capacity limits, while for noise pollution, sound levels must comply with national decibel guidelines.

Protecting minors, preventing excessive alcohol consumption

As per the rules, alcohol must not be sold to individuals under 18. Vendors are required to verify age using ID.

Visibly intoxicated patrons must not be served further.

RDB explains rationale

RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irène Murerwa told The New Times the notice aims to enforce regulations while supporting the sector.

"We cannot have an industry that is not complying with regulations," Murerwa said. "It has a negative ripple effect on the youth, on everything, even the economy.

"So, we need to be very careful as a regulator; we still want to promote and support the businesses, but at the same time we do not want any disorderly behaviour,” she said.

Murerwa pointed out that the intention is not to punish but to guide businesses toward structured and lawful success.

"You shouldn&039;t be making money because you're breaching the rules, because you are selling alcohol to underage people," she said. "You shouldn't be making money while you don't have a license for running a business, you shouldn't be making money when your facilities are overcrowded.”

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While the public appears to be aware of the regulations, Murerwa observed that it is still important to hold new workshops to reinforce compliance, hear the challenges businesses face, and remind them that non-compliance will lead to serious consequences.

She underscored the need for positive customer experience and order.

"If I have to come to your establishment or your entity and it’s overcrowded and people are falling down because they are so drunk and no one is able to put back some order, perhaps the money that I was supposed to be spending [there], I’ll go and spend it somewhere else where I feel safe to do so,” she said.

"It’s very important that as an industry we wake up again, we push for reforms and at the same time produce a conducive environment so that no one feels frustrated.”