Bahrain shuts down restaurants for violations

Manama : Five restaurants in the Kingdom have been shut down over the past six months after they failed to respond to the warnings of the Consumer Protection Directorate against unfairly increasing the prices of meals, confirmed Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The Ministry stated that the restaurants “violated competition controls.” This was reported during the past six months, since the meat subsidy was withdrawn by the Government on the first of October 2015. Additionally, the Minister said that the directorate had warned 116 restaurants that had unjustly raised the prices of their services.

More than 2,000 complaints were received by the authorities from consumers in regards to restaurants and shops unjustly increasing the prices of meals served.

Minister Al Zayani said the directorate has eight field inspectors assigned to monitor all outlets in the Kingdom and are privileged with the necessary jurisdiction to inspect them.

However, he also stressed on the responsibility of consumers in reporting any violations and their important role in community partnership.

The Minister called upon consumers to report any violation to Consumer Protection Directorate hotline 17007003.

DT News had earlier reported that the Government of Bahrain scrapped meat subsidies, starting on the first of October 2015. The step came as part of its scheme to reduce government expenditures, as international crude oil prices continue to tumble down.