In the western city of Hamedan in Iran, 35 retail businesses faced closure after being accused of disrespecting the holy month of Ramadan.

Mohammad Arghavan, head of the Hamedan Chamber, condemned individuals who encouraged others to break their fasts, labeling it as an “insult to the devout residents of Hamedan.”

Simultaneously, in the southern city of Dezful, authorities sealed 10 shops on Saturday for failing to observe the sanctity of Ramadan. Masoud Bahrampour, the Friday Prayer Imam of Dezful, used his sermons to criticize such disregard for religious observance, calling for strict penalties to deter further violations.

Iranians are required to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan, even if inside their vehicles. Article 638 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code, implemented about 12 years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, mandates penalties ranging from 10 to 60 days imprisonment or up to 74 lashes for violating fasting regulations, applicable to all regardless of religion.

Traditionally, eateries including restaurants, cafes, and street vendors are prohibited from serving customers from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, limiting business hours exclusively to evenings. However, in recent years, some establishments have been permitted to offer cold food options or takeaway services during fasting hours.

The impact of Ramadan restrictions extends beyond the hospitality industry, affecting various businesses such as cinemas, concert halls, and beauty salons, either directly or indirectly.