Paula Ma‘u the Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister's office confirmed today that once the mourning period ends, people would resume their normal business activities, from October 18. This lifts the ban on entertainment, bars and nightclubs who during the mourning period were not allowed to play loud music.

The month of State mourning for Tonga began on September 11, a day after the late king died at the age of 88 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Tongan Civil Servants and many of the public have continued to wear black and mourning attire during the month.

Tu‘ivanuavou Vaea, the Master of the Royal Household said today, that although the official mourning period for the State ends tomorrow, the Royal Family would continue their 100 days of mourning period that will not end until December.

To mark the official ending of the 100 days of mourning period for the Royal Family the Lanu Kilikili ritual or the Washing of the Stones will be held at the Royal Tomb at Mala‘ekula, Nuku‘alofa to be carried out by the Ha‘a Tufunga. Vou said that they have just started receiving the fine stones that have been carefully selected from the shores of the volcanic island of Tofua