Agenda | Apr 02,2022
Authorities have shut down two prominent hotels Addis Abeba, alleging that they have played "inciting music" following the withdrawal of federal troops from Tigray.
Harmony and Kaleb hotels on Djibouti Street, in the Bole Medhanialem area, were shut down on July 5, 2021, after local authorities alleged the two establishments had played music that could stir up emotional backlash and violence. Located next to one another on a street where there are eight hotels and over a dozen restaurants, the establishments may face potential legal action that could see them have their licenses revoked, according to officials at the Woreda 03 Trade Office of Bole District under the Addis Abeba City Administration.
“We temporarily have closed the two hotels after they played inciting music that celebrates the adversity of the country and humiliates the Ethiopian National Defense Force,” Philimon Gashaw, head of Woreda 03, told Fortune.
The hotels have been in the hospitality business for over a decade and currently employ around 300 people. Both buildings are six storeys and incorporate conference halls and ballrooms, swimming pool, business centres, gymnasiums, restaurants, and a day spa.
Getachew Dejene, head of security at Kaleb Hotel, named after a sixth-century King of Aksum, said the hotel's management is working with the Woreda Administration to clear things up.
Harmony Hotel, a property under Golagul Trading, was built at the cost of 104 million Br and opened for business in 2008. The Hotel saw a 400 million Br expansion project half a decade later, bringing the total number of rooms to 150. The family of the Girmay brothers, Yemane and Goitom, own the property, and Golagul Tower in the Haya Hulet area.
The managements of Harmony and Kaleb hotels declined to comment despite repeated efforts. The hotels remained closed up until Saturday, July 10, 2021.
Along with these two hotels, 72 other restaurants, bars, and nightclubs have also been temporarily closed "for several reasons", Philimon disclosed to Fortune.
The Trade Office has also been taking measures against businesses for "breaking the law" by serving hookah, failing to follow COVID-19 guidelines, providing services not covered under their licenses, and sound pollution. Several verbal warnings were given to the businesses before they were closed down, according to Philimon.
"Their closure is for an undefined period of time, and possibly even serious legal action that could cause them to lose their licenses," Philimon said. "They will face investigations."
PUBLISHED ON
Jul 11,2021 [ VOL
22 , NO
1106]
Agenda | Apr 02,2022
Fortune News | Oct 02,2021
Viewpoints | Jun 08,2019
Radar | Apr 02,2022
View From Arada | Dec 19,2021
View From Arada | Feb 05,2022
Films Review | Sep 26,2021
Agenda | Dec 19,2021
Fortune News | Sep 02,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jul 19 , 2025
Parliament is no stranger to frantic bursts of productivity. Even so, the vote last w...
Jul 12 , 2025
Political leaders and their policy advisors often promise great leaps forward, yet th...
Jul 5 , 2025
Six years ago, Ethiopia was the darling of international liberal commentators. A year...
Jun 28 , 2025
Meseret Damtie, the assertive auditor general, has never been shy about naming names...
Loading your updates...