A comprehensive study conducted by the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has unveiled a compelling recommendation for the implementation of a regulated system to determine opening and closing hours for commercial establishments across Amman. The proposed initiative underscored the necessity of harmonizing business hours with sectoral needs and interests, suggesting that the pivotal decision regarding operating hours should be formalized through a collaborative effort between the Municipality of Greater Amman and the ACC. Through a meticulous survey, the study actively engaged with over 3,000 business proprietors representing 18 diverse professions and sectors. The core objective was to delineate optimal working hours for the seamless operation of commercial entities across 19 distinct geographic zones within the expansive domain of Amman. The findings resonate with a resounding 60.2% of business owners who endorse the concept of standardized business hours. In contrast, 24.5% express reservations about this approach. Noteworthy is the underlying rationale, with proponents highlighting social considerations as a driving factor. These encompass extended family time, facilitation of social gatherings, alleviating traffic congestion, energy conservation, and alleviating urban congestion. Of significant interest is the successful precedent of regulated hours during the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those favoring regulated hours, a significant 52.8% suggested a uniform opening time of 10:00 AM throughout the year. Conversely, 52.6% recommended a fixed closing time of 8:00 PM during the winter season, extending to 10:00 PM during the summer months. The study also unveiled intriguing regional variations in viewpoints, mirroring the diverse landscape of business types and densities in each locality. Notably, Radio and Television Street stands out with unanimous support for regulated hours at 100%. This is followed by strong endorsement from Jabal Hussein and Marka at 94%, as well as Sweileh at an encouraging 91%. Furthermore, the study cast a wide net over a gamut of professions, encompassing textiles, footwear, dining establishments, retail outlets, pharmacies, perfumeries, electronics, and more. Insights from business owners representing a myriad of trades, including confectioneries, bakeries, juice bars, roasteries, electronics, furniture, and hardware outlets, contribute to the multifaceted tapestry of opinions. Within the realm of sector-specific perspectives, a notable 50% of those supporting regulated hours proposed that opening and closing times should be tailored to the distinct requirements of each profession. Industries related to furnishings, carpets, and decorations stand at the forefront of this sentiment, followed by libraries, stationery, electronics, electrical appliances, and building materials. In contrast, tobacco and accessory retailers, eateries, supermarkets, pharmacies, and laboratories, as well as juice shops and confectioneries, show relatively less support. The study’s culmination is enriched by a comparative exploration of analogous experiences from both regional and international settings, further enriching the discourse surrounding regulated business hours.
Source: Jordan News Agency