BEIRUT —  Forty Syrian-owned businesses, along the road connecting Chtaura, Bar Elias, and Masnaa in the Bekaa Valley shut down, following a decision by the area’s public prosecutor. 

After the establishments were informed by police stations that their legal status was not up to date last month, Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces began the process of shutting down the unlicensed Syrian-owned businesses.

The taken measures created a state of confusion among business owners and employees.

Mohammed Ahmad, owner of a coal-roasted shawarma restaurant, is shocked by the short time frame he was given to adjust his legal status.

“The time they gave us was not enough to get a commercial register, commercial notice and work permits in light of the red tape involved in getting the required permits,” Ahmad complained.

He said that the decision is unfair.

 “Someone tried to exploit me. He suggested that I register the store under the name of a Lebanese investor who would not share in the cost of opening the restaurant and we would be his employees,” said Abu Ammar, another Syrian whose business was shut down.