Summer vacation crackdown
Sulaymaniyah authorities shut down 30 establishments to curb underage entry
SULAYMANIYAH — Authorities in Sulaymaniyah have closed 30 cafes, gaming centers, and electronic cigarette shops this year to prevent underage entry.
The Sulaymaniyah district administration, known as the Qaymaqamiat, has intensified inspections to enforce this policy, especially as the summer holidays begin and the school year ends.
Goran Qadir, head of the Qaymaqamiat’s joint committees, emphasized the increased presence of students in casinos, billiard halls, and cafes where card games are played. “All establishment owners have been warned to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from entering,” Qadir told 964media.
According to Qadir, selling cigarettes and electronic cigarettes to minors is illegal under current laws and regulations. The enforcement extends to billiard halls, casinos, cafes, hookah lounges, bars, and stores that sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
“We are coordinating with the Kurdistan Child Protection Organization, the Sulaymaniyah Security Directorate, and all other security forces. Any place found violating this order will be shut down, and the owner will face further legal actions,” Qadir added.
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