LAHORE: The owners and workers of the hotels and restaurants have protested against the district administration for sealing their premises for violation of smog standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali launched a crackdown on violators in the localities of Jail Road, Siddiq Trade Centre, Main Market and Zahoor Elahi Road.

The Model Town assistant commissioner (AC) sealed Karak Khail Hotel and Rizwan Burger, while the Raiwind AC sealed Karachi Naseeb Biryani. The City AC sealed Alflaha Theatre and also ordered cases against Mashallah Tika, Majid Butt Karahi and Nirala Karahi managers.

Shopkeepers and hotel owners and managers demanded the government review SOPs as these measures would result in permanently closing their businesses.

They said several hotels only operated in the evening hours, and the SOPs allowed them only three to four business hours, which was not enough.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2022