Iran Seals Seven Restaurants in Two Provinces Citing Religious Violations

Police and prosecutors in Iran have sealed seven dining establishments across two provinces, citing failures to observe Islamic norms. The closures affect four café-restaurants in Fuman, Gilan province, and three cafés in Birjand, South Khorasan province. Local authorities stated that the businesses failed to adhere to specific religious and legal standards regarding public behavior.

In Fuman, the police chief, Hossein Ashouri, announced the sealing of four establishments on Sunday. Ashouri told the semi-official Mehr News Agency that managers were referred to judicial authorities to begin legal proceedings. He did not specify the exact infractions, though previous closures in Iran have targeted venues for allowing men and women to sit together, permitting female patrons to remove head coverings, or playing music.

The legal advocacy network Dadbaan challenged the closures, arguing they infringe on citizens' constitutional rights. The network noted that Article 28 of the Constitution guarantees the right to employment, requiring specific laws to justify restrictions. Dadbaan stated that the Law on the Guild System mandates a specific violation and proper legal procedure before a business can be closed. The group argued that a general reference to Islamic norms is insufficient to deprive owners of economic activity without identifying the exact legal basis.

In South Khorasan, prosecutor-general Ahmad Ghasemi announced the sealing of three cafés in Birjand. Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, an outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, Ghasemi said the closures followed public complaints about violations of public decency and Islamic principles. He described the protection of public rights and legal values as core responsibilities of the authorities.

Ghasemi indicated that legal action would proceed against the Birjand establishments. He stated that established violations would be handled without leniency, with closures pursued where legally permitted to ensure compliance. The simultaneous actions in two provinces show an active enforcement approach by both police forces and prosecutorial offices.

The managers of the closed businesses in Fuman and Birjand are now facing judicial proceedings. The outcome of these cases will determine the legal standing of similar enforcement actions across the country. Authorities in both provinces are pursuing the cases under existing legal frameworks for public decency and guild regulations.