Bahrain Issues Stricter Regulations for Street Advertising

The Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, has issued a new decree outlining detailed requirements, standards, and procedures for street advertisements.  The decree aims to enhance safety and ensure compliance with engineering regulations.  

These amendments strengthen safety requirements for advertisements affixed to the ground, walls, and surfaces, introducing stricter technical requirements to guarantee stability and adhere to public safety standards.

As per the new decision, a mandatory engineering certificate verifying the advertisement structure's ability to withstand wind forces throughout its duration is now required, along with a comprehensive liability insurance policy covering damages caused by the advertisement, valid for its entire duration.  

Moreover, a minimum 10-meter setback from the road edge to the advertisement is mandated, although this distance may be reduced based on the advertisement's type, size, and nature, and the land on which it is located, subject to approval from the relevant municipality or the Capital Municipality.  

Additionally, advertisements and their support must not interfere with or affect utility installations or rescue equipment. The decision includes the necessity for the license applicant to commit to not leaving the advertisement empty of content for the duration or durations specified by the competent municipality, depending on the type of advertisement for which the license is requested.

Furthermore, the Capital Municipality and municipalities are empowered to remove any advertisement posing a threat to life or property, with violators bearing the removal costs. Maximum advertisement heights are specified based on location and type, and supports and structures must be made of non-flammable materials.  

Licenses are issued after payment of prescribed fees, valid for a maximum of one year and renewable fifteen days prior to expiry.  Advertisements must be removed within one month of license expiry; otherwise, the municipality will remove them at the advertiser's expense, with no compensation for damage.

For unlicensed or non-compliant advertisements, the municipality will take precautionary measures to prevent potential damage, including license revocation and removal at the violator's expense.  Removal costs may be deducted from a security deposit, with any excess collected through legal channels.

The decree represents a significant tightening of regulations for street advertising in Bahrain, prioritising public safety and visual order.