Stalls and businesses inside Shanghai's metro stations will be reopened this week following a month-long closure, a newspaper reported today.

But some shops will be moved for security reasons.

The Shentong Metro Group, owner and operator of Shanghai's Metro, closed the underground shops because of public security concerns during the Olympic Games. The suspension of business affected 1,080 shops. Even food vending machines were closed as local governments stepped up security.

But with the successful completion of the Games, stalls at Metro stations will resume business this week.

The experience of the Games has given the metro authority an opportunity to adjust the structure of stalls at Metro stations.

For security reasons large shops will not now be set up in passageways in Metro stations ?they may prove hazardous in emergencies.

"But many of the shops have been there for a long time and provided good service for subway passengers. A sudden closedown is not practical," an insider told the newspaper.

Shops such as newsstands, pharmacies and convenience stops will be allowed to continue operating but other stalls less essential to daily life such as dress and bag shops will be closed, the report said.

(Shanghai Daily September 1, 2008)