Sulaymaniyah barbers call for unified 8 p.m. closing time, longer license validity

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — Barbershop owners in Sulaymaniyah have asked local authorities to regulate working hours and set a single closing time for all shops across the city. Speaking on behalf of barbers, Araz Kakil said the request has been submitted to the Sulaymaniyah governorate and market oversight committees, proposing that shops close at 8 p.m. Kakil said a uniform closing time would give shop owners time to rest after long working hours, allow them to attend to family and personal health matters, and reduce uneven competition that drives some shops to stay open late. Under the proposal, a single decision would standardize market operations and ensure customers can access services at set times. Shop owners have also asked authorities to extend the validity of professional licenses from one year to two years and the validity of hygiene and health permits from six months to one year. They have requested that the changes be implemented within the relevant legal and health regulations. No response from officials was immediately available.