Money collected from permits will be used for administrative costs.

This is what the Suva City Council said the $20 levy for the extension of shop opening hours will be used for.

Spokesperson Jillian Hicks said 200 out of the 6,000 shops that fall within the Suva City boundary have been given permits to open beyond 6pm, and these fees are charged on a weekly basis so that business operators can chose to continue to open till 9pm during a week or not.

However, Hicks said they did not approve any permits for the extension of opening hours for billiard shops and internet cafes, and these shops will have to close at 5pm, after police found out that many students are frequenting the internet and billiard shops in the night.