Concerns grow as 68% of 24-hour businesses in Muharraq operate illegally

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com

Residents of Muharraq are increasingly alarmed as 52 businesses operate illegally around the clock, despite a striking 97 per cent approval rate for 24-hour operation licences, comprising 68 per cent of such establishments in the area.

In a meeting held yesterday by the Muharraq Municipal Council, representatives from the Muharraq Police Directorate, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the municipal executive body expressed unease over the prevalence of unlicensed establishments operating continuously.

Data from the Muharraq Police Directorate shows that of the 81 shops open 24 hours a day, only 26 are properly licensed, leaving 55 businesses in violation of the law.

These non-compliant operations include restaurants, convenience stores, cafés, a laundry, and a vape shop, which pose risks to public safety and regulatory compliance.

Applications

Interestingly, the police directorate approved 97 per cent of applications for round-theclock operation, with the average response time improving from three working days to just four hours.

However, this high approval rate raises questions about the enforcement of licensing regulations.

To operate 24 hours, businesses must implement measures to minimise disturbances, ensure public tranquillity, provide adequate parking and traffic flow, and install security cameras inside and outside their premises.

The nature of the street and the type of business also play crucial roles in this assessment.

During the meeting, the need to simplify the licensing process for businesses wishing to operate continuously was emphasised, alongside identifying the authorities responsible for enforcing compliance and taking legal action against violators.