Shut down bars, coffee shops on Reef Island: MPs

Manama : Despite official reconf-irmation on the current legal status of the outlets selling sheesha (hookah) and alcoholic beverages on Reef Island and that all violations were rectified, several MPs insisted on closing down all bars and coffee shops on the island.

The Council’s Second Deputy Speaker Abdulhaleem Murad said, “There’s chaos on the island. We received complaints from tenants on many occasions. They said immoral acts are being carried out by drunken customers.”

“There’s weak official supervision on the activities taking place on the island. A delegation from residents recently informed that they repeatedly see immoral acts on the beaches. A family can’t take a regular walk on the beach without witnessing such rejected and condemned behaviours,” he explained.

Criticising the government’s justifications, MP Jamal Dawood questioned, “Is Al Reef Island untouchable. Why can’t the law be applied on the outlets operating on the island. Sheesha and alcoholic beverages are being sold without permits. It should be shut down immediately.” 

The area’s MP, Ahmed Qarata, said, “It was initially a residential area and it was suddenly turned into a commercial area with restaurants, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Residents are complaining and we urge the authorities to shut down these outlets and halt the ongoing construction of new ones.”

Meanwhile, MP Nabeel Al Balooshi commended on the efforts paid by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry in regards to promoting “clean” tourism and attracting families.

He appreciated how the Ministry is tightening its grip on tourism outlets in the country, including the ones located on Reef Island.

Representing the government in the session were Capital General Secretariat (municipality previously) General Director Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Tourism and Exhibitions CEO Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Mohammed said, while addressing the Council, “It’s necessary to have commercial activities in some parts of the island to fulfil residents’ needs, just like Amwaj Islands and Diyar Al Muharraq.”

He insisted that “there are no violations on the island today and all activities are permitted by the authorities.”

However, Shaikh Khalid said, “One outlet was referred to the Public Prosecution for violating tourism rules and regulations. Any new outlet won’t be permitted before obtaining the approval of certain authorities.”