CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 8, 2023) – A deal to open a coffee shop in the JW Clay parking deck in University City has fallen through due to a dispute over late-night hours during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a contract with Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in February. However, sources tell Channel 9’s government reporter Joe Bruno that the deal is off because the city would not allow the coffee shop to stay open late during Ramadan.
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee had requested an exception to stay open until 2 a.m. during Ramadan, but the city denied the request, citing federal guidelines for businesses near light rail stations.
“It’s just one month a year,” said Jibril Hough, a Charlotte resident and Muslim community leader. “If this was Christmas, or another holiday they feel closer to, I think they would be more liberal with this.”
Hough says that late-night coffee shops are essential for Muslims during Ramadan, as they often stay awake late at night for prayers and celebrations.
“Muslims are awake during the night, late at night during Ramadan,” he said. “We pray during the night and coffee helps give you that boost that you need to stay up.”
On Tuesday night, Mecklenburg County commissioners passed a resolution honoring the month of Ramadan. Hough says this sends a message of appreciation and respect. That’s a message he says the city of Charlotte isn’t sending.
“I call Charlotte the city of Oz,” he said. “You fly over the city and it looks beautiful. You see the buildings, but it is not always what it seems.”
The city of Charlotte has not yet commented on the matter. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee declined an interview request.
Additional Information:
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.
Late-night coffee shops are often popular among Muslims during Ramadan, as they provide a place to socialize and stay awake for prayers and celebrations.
The federal guidelines cited by the city of Charlotte are intended to ensure the safety of passengers and employees at light rail stations.