JEDDAH, 28 September 2004 — Authorities do not know how to penalize a restaurant owner who took advantage of an ambiguous regulation to employ two Saudi women, Al-Hayat newspaper reported yesterday.

Restaurant owner Nabil Ramadan created commotion last month in the eastern coastal city of Sihat when news spread that there were women working at his food outlet.

Although Saudi employment laws are unclear on the issue, the authorities closed down his restaurant but have yet to decide what punishment to impose on Ramadan, Al-Hayat said.

Meanwhile, Ramadan said his move appeared to be supported by many. “When I began looking for employees, I received dozens of applications from women who want to work. Why shouldn’t women be allowed (to work) given it’s a job done in public?” he asked.