The Male' City Council has shut down Food Bistro, a cafe located in Kudheena Goalhi, after smoke and cooking odours from its exhaust system began drifting into Masjid al-Zikra.
The council said that the establishment was closed to rectify the exhaust issue following disruptions to prayers during the Friday prayers. The smell of cooking from the cafe had become unbearable for those inside the mosque.
The council further noted that the Community Engagement Unit had repeatedly advised the cafe to fix the exhaust system after previous reports of smoke and odors entering the mosque.
According to the council, when Community Engagement Unit staff entered the cafe, several expatriate kitchen staff and customers fled the scene.
Last week, the Male' City Council decided to conduct a comprehensive study on problematic exhaust systems in Male' cafes and restaurants to find a permanent solution to public nuisance issues.
The matter has been referred to the council's Urban Planning Committee for further review. Mayor Adam Azim said that the Urban Planning Committee will consult with other relevant committees to establish regulations and procedures to address such issues moving forward.
