Iran seals restaurants over allegations businesses ‘failed to observe Islamic norms’

The Islamic Republic has sealed numerous restaurants in Gilan and South Khorasan provinces due to alleged violations of Islamic norms, according to police and Iranian organizations reported in local media. In Fuman, four café-restaurants were sealed, with the city's police chief informing the Mehr News Agency that managers were referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.

The specific alleged violations remain unspecified, but cafés in Iran have previously faced penalties for allowing mixed company, permitting female patrons to go without head coverings, or playing music. The Iranian legal advocacy group Dadbaan contends that the right to employment is constitutionally protected (Article 28 of the Constitution) and that restrictions must be based on law, citing the Law on the Guild System.

Under this law, closing businesses requires identifying a specific violation and adhering to legal procedures; thus, merely alleging failure to observe Islamic norms without specifying violations or legal basis cannot justify depriving citizens of economic activity. In Birjand, three cafés were also closed, as reported by IRGC-affiliated media.

South Khorasan Province's prosecutor-general, Ahmad Ghasemi, announced the closures, stating that complaints about alleged failures to observe Islamic principles and violations of regulations on public decency led to the actions. Ghasemi emphasized that authorities are responsible for protecting public rights, preserving legal and religious values, and preventing behavior contrary to public decency.

He added that established violations will be addressed strictly within the framework of the law, and establishments found to be in violation may face closure and sealing.