Punjab Announces New Market Timings Under PERA Notification, Shops to Close by 9 PM

The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) has issued a new notification introducing revised market operating hours across the province of Punjab.

According to the updated schedule, “shops, market, shopping malls, bazaars, and department stores will be required to close by 9:00 PM.”

Under the new rules, businesses dealing in essential goods, including bakeries, grocery stores, and general stores, will be permitted to remain open until 10:00 PM. Wedding halls, banquet venues, and other commercial event spaces will also be allowed to operate until the same extended hour.

The notification further states that restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and eateries, along with separate fruit and vegetable shops, will benefit from a one-hour extension and are allowed to stay open until 11:00 PM.

It also clarifies that takeaway services and home delivery operations will remain exempt from these restrictions, allowing continued service beyond standard closing hours.

Additionally, the new regulation outlines several exemptions for key sectors. Pharmacies, medical stores, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, standalone bakeries, tandoors, dairy shops, petrol stations, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centers will not be bound by the revised business hours.