New Regulations Mandate 3:00 AM Closure for Bahrain’s Tourist Restaurants

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: editor@Newsofbahrain.com

New regulations require Bahrain’s tourism restaurants to close by 3:00 AM, enforcing strict licensing rules to improve operational standards and safety.

Tourism Minister Fatima bint Al Sairafi announced that food and beverage services in hotels and independent tourist restaurants must cease all operations by this hour. The directive, published in the official gazette, also prohibits entertainment services, including musical performances, during specific hours.

Under the new rules, tourist facilities must stop all activities by the designated time. Entertainment, including live performances, is prohibited between 2:30 AM and 12:00 AM for categories one to six, and from 2:30 AM to 6:00 PM for category seven. This decision replaces an earlier ruling on operational hours for food and beverage services, and all conflicting provisions have been repealed.

Additionally, independent tourist restaurants must obtain a licence from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) before starting operations. They are required to secure approval for their locations and must not alter management or permit others to operate within their premises without consent from relevant authorities. Compliance with licensing conditions is essential, as restaurants must adhere strictly to their licensed activities.

The regulations also mandate that establishments display a valid health licence and follow health and safety standards. They must have registered point-of-sale systems and be able to provide detailed invoices.

As these regulations take effect, Bahrain’s nightlife faces an important moment—balancing vibrant entertainment with necessary safety measures that could redefine the evening experience.