Nima Wangdi 

Hawkers in Thimphu city have asked the Thromde office for an extension of business operation time until 3am.

The hawkers currently are allowed to operate only until midnight.

Hawkers said that customers are the people who go to entertainment centres and hubs such as karaoke and nightclubs.

Hawkers used to operate their business until 4am which the thromde put an end to on July 14.

Recently, police detained four hawkers who failed to leave the street on time.

Tshering Yangdhen, 24, sells momo. She said that the police officials hit containers with sticks and chased the hawkers away. “Having to leave before people come out of entertainment centres is hampering our business.”

Phurpa Wangmo, 42, said that her business helped her to send her children to school.

Another hawker, Thinley Zangmo, questioned why hawkers should leave by 12am.

Hawkers claim that they do not sell tobacco and controlled substances. “We also make sure that we do not leave waste behind.”

Police officials said that all the businesses should be closed after 12am as per the Covid-19 relaxation regulations which apply to the hawkers as well.