Algeria: Number of “Rahma” restaurants slumps during Ramadhan because of red tape hurdles

A large number of well-meaning people have expressed deep concern at the baffling decision by the local authorities to curtail the number of “Rahma” or charity restaurants supplying hot meals to the poor and the needy during the holy month of fasting of Ramadhan.

Compared to 2012, the number of such restaurants supplying hot meals and take-away meals before fast-breaking time during Ramadhan has significantly dropped this year owing to manifold bureaucratic constraints.

However, local authorities told Echorouk that the decision was motivated by several factors linked notably to ventilation, proper eating spaces and sanitation inside these makeshift restaurants.

They further indicated that numerous restaurants of this type in several provinces of the country including the capital Algiers had been refused the proper license to open their facilities during fast-breaking time because they were not endowed with the necessary amenities allowing for the supply of healthy and nutritious food to needy people and travelers especially during Ramadhan fearing food-poisoning and other ailments.