DAMMAM — With recent calls for stores to remain open past the usual 10 to 11 p.m. closing time, residents are divided on whether or not they should support the move. The most common worry is that later timings for stores will lead to a higher crime rate and strain on the family life. Authorities have tried to allay these fears by assuring that the increase or decrease in crime rate is not linked to store hours but concerns still remain, reported Al-Riyadh Arabic daily recently. Citizen Fawaz Saeed said the move will have adverse effects. Least among these is that the majority of society, especially Saudi youth, will get used to staying up late and not waking up on time for school or work. “People will get lazier, harassment of girls and families will increase and so will road accidents. Small grocery stores should close early as young men love to hang out there and disturb shoppers,” he said. Parents are of the view that if stores close early, their sons will not loiter the streets until the early hours of the morning but psychologists have shot down this notion. “People tend not to view the picture comprehensively from all aspects. Those who support early closure of stores so that our youth will go home on time need to understand that young men have certain social and psychological needs. At this age, young men are in need of independence and time to spend with their friends. Opening or closing stores early or late has no direct relationship with their ties with their families,” said Dr. Ibrahim Al-Saikhan, a family counselor. While acknowledging that loitering leads to improper conduct, especially when large groups of young men congregate in single location, Dr. Al-Saikhan called for viewing the problem from several angles. “On one hand, we want our youth to return to their families but, on the other, we want our youth to have different avenues where they can release their energy in a disciplined manner. We have a very serious issue at hand, and simply closing stores early will not solve it.” Umm Khaled said her husband works in the retail sector and does not return home until after their children have fallen asleep. This causes many problems at home as she feels her children will not be close to their father. Misfer Al-Majed, a marketing manager at a mall in Dammam, said the decision ultimately rests on shopkeepers. “There are many families that are ready to go shopping at 2 a.m. We do not live in a village but in a city whose residents are working nonstop day and night. If anyone needs evidence that there is demand for stores to remain open late, they can go to any hypermarket in the evening and see the large crowds. Keeping shops open round-the-clock will attract investments and tourists,” Al-Majed said while adding he hopes malls and supermarkets will be allowed to remain open until 3 a.m. Eastern Province Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Ziyad Al-Reqaiti said there is no rule that says shops have to close at 10 p.m. However, directives stipulate that all stores have to close by midnight though they can stay open up until 1 a.m. on weekends. Restaurants and fast food outlets can remain open until 2 a.m. if they make the necessary security arrangements. — SG
