In order to curb alleged illegal activities and drug dealing, cafes and Dhabas in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) have been directed to close by midnight.

This was decided during a meeting chaired by Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) station commander Abid Ali Askari on Wednesday. In the new code of conduct issued by the CBC, all cafes have been directed to install CCTV cameras within 10 days and to register their employees at nearby police stations, local media reported.

Cafe owners have also been told to appoint a representative who will be on the CBC’s committee to ensure proper implementation of the code of conduct. The CBC has also barred the cafe management from setting up tables, chairs on footpaths. According to the code of conduct, beggars are to be discouraged in the eateries’ vicinity.

Cafe management has also been directed not to allow diners after 11 pm and close their shops by midnight.