"We are concerned about fried liver stands on the streets in downtown Balad and they will be getting most of our attention this Ramadan,” said Mohammad Shatwan, the head of the municipality office in Balad.“We are mostly concerned about the cleanliness of the stands themselves, and its owners’ commitment to health regulations and sanitary conditions, for example, whether or not clean plates and utensils are being used and disposed of properly.”Since the municipality gave approval for food vendors to sell during the holy month, there are now around 310 stands on more than eight streets in areas such as the Corniche Mall, Gabel Street, Bab Makkah and Kandara.Food vendors attract many people from across the city who frequent popular shopping areas during the nights of Ramadan.“When you come to Bab Gabel, eating fried liver is a must during Ramadan, as it arouses feelings of nostalgia about old Jeddah and its traditions,” said Salem Omar, a 50-year-old father of two.“We want the municipality to supervise these stands but they shouldn’t overburden these guys.”Liver sellers say they are feeling the extra pressure, and they think it is not fair."We met all the requirements for getting a stand in Balad, and we feel that we are doing our best serving customers,” said one trader, Ahmad."This time round, those who are licensed to sell fried liver, Balila (a special chickpea dish) or other food items must adhere to the conditions of their license and sell only what they are allowed to, otherwise they will face a fine," Shatwan said.
