Restaurants and bars in Hoàn Kiếm District will be allowed to open until 2am from Friday to Sunday from September 1, according to Hà Nội People’s Committee. — Photo vntinnhanh.vn

HÀ NỘI — Restaurants and bars in Hoàn Kiếm District will be allowed to open until 2am from Friday to Sunday from September 1, according to Hà Nội People’s Committee.

The city’s chairman, Nguyễn Đức Chung, on Wednesday held a meeting with the district People’s Committee and relevant agencies to implement the pilot project to attract more tourists.

However, street vendors will not be allowed to operate on pavements because they may make noise and affect the surrounding landscape, Chung said.

The committee also asked district authorities to strictly manage businesses.

Under the decision, restaurants, bars and 3-star hotels and above which want to open until 2am have to register with the committee before September 1.

They are also required to ensure order and security for local residents.

Nguyễn Tiến Đạt, deputy director of TransViet Tourism Company in Hà Nội said that the city’s decision was good news for visitors.

It would make capital tourism more attractive with services and entertainment at night, he said.

Along with decision to abandon the midnight curfew from September 1, more pedestrian streets will be opened in the area near Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Lê Lai, Lê Thạch, Đinh Lễ, Nguyễn Xí, a part of Tràng Tiền, Hàng Khay, Lê Thái Tổ, Lò Sũ and Hàng Dầu streets will be reserved for pedestrians at the weekend.

The pedestrian streets will open from 7pm on Friday to 12pm on Sunday.  

The committee will work with local police and Việt Nam Posts and Telecommunications Corporation to install free wifi around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

The chairman also asked the Culture and Sport Department and the committee to choose a suitable place for cultural activities for tourists. — VNS