Bars, restaurants, and other nightlife establishments in Kigali have called on the authorities to extend operating hours during the festive season, arguing that current restrictions have negatively impacted their revenues and staffing arrangements. ALSO READ: Seven reasons why 200 bars, other businesses were sanctioned This comes after information circulated online last week claiming that Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was set to approve 3:00a.m as the new closing hour. But on Tuesday, December 9, RDB dismissed the claim, confirming that no official extension was approved. ALSO READ: Rwanda extends opening hours for bars, nightclubs during festive season However, business operators say discussions with RDB have already taken place, although no outcome has been confirmed. Some told The New Times that they met RDB officials earlier this month to request for extended operating hours, not just a single hour. Their wish is to open until morning, especially in December and early January when demand peaks. ALSO READ: Businesses brace for new night-time regulations According to the Union of Workers in Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars (SYNHOREB), reduced night-time operating hours left many hospitality workers financially vulnerable, especially those dependent on overnight shifts. Flora Nyiratsinda, the union’s executive secretary, said they approached government officials to request for longer operating hours to ease the strain on workers. ALSO READ: RDB urges compliance with nightlife rules to curb chaos, protect minors She said: “In the past, employees worked in shifts, some from noon to midnight, and others from midnight until morning. That offered more jobs and better income. Now that businesses no longer operate throughout the night, the amount of work has dropped, and employees’ earnings have fallen with it. “Many employees have become vulnerable because their working hours were reduced. Some are now taking on long, continuous shifts to fill the gap. That affects service quality because they are exhausted. When employers earn a lot within an extended time, they often raise targets. When employees generate more income through the target set, bonuses tend to increase.” But if an employer is not fair, she pointed out, they may also overwork staff during the 24-hour cycles, and that can create serious problems for employees. Rodrigue Ndayicyegurukiye, a human resource manager at Pili Pili, a bistro lounge in Kibagabaga, said: “During this festive season, people stay out till late. Closing early affects our business; revenue has dropped ever since closing time was pushed to 2:00a.m. When we were allowed to operate overnight, business was doing much better. We earned more, and even employed more staff. “Now that we have to shut down on the dot, customers know they must leave too. It’s a challenge for us all. Even adding just one extra hour, until 3:00 a.m., would make a difference for our business and guests. But operating until morning would significantly boost night life business.” Thierry Rurangirwa, the Director of Administration at the Chamber of Tourism, also emphasised the benefits of extended operating hours for the hospitality sector. He said: “Longer operating hours are an advantage. If the government allows us to stay open until morning, that would be better. Normally, the government does extend hours during the festive season, and this helps increase revenues for businesses and the government through taxes. Even extending by just one hour, from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., would make a difference, but staying open until morning would have the greatest impact.”
