Proposal to unify working hours of commercial shops at standstill

Manama : Bahrain’s lawmakers have not yet reached a conclusion on a controversial proposal to unify working hours of commercial outlets in the country.

The proposal was submitted by MP Theyab Al Nuaimi, who represents the eighth constituency in the Southern Governorate (East Riffa), one of the busiest commercial areas in Bahrain. It stipulates that the working hours of the commercial outlets should be regulated and set by the Government. 

The MP said the timings should be mandatory to all shops, excluding pharmacies, petrol stations, foodstuff shops and restaurants outside residential areas during working days, adding that timings could be extended on weekends and public holidays.

“We should regulate trade and movements in the local markets and commercial outlets, following advanced countries such as the US, France, Saudi Arabia and others. This would also rationalise energy consumption and limit the ongoing energy waste,” Al Nuaimi mentioned in his proposal.

The lawmaker also said obliging commercial outlets to shut their doors at certain timings would contribute into preserving public order and security, stating that it would reduce social issues that irritate people in residential
areas.

The proposal was referred to the Public Utilities and Environment Parliamentary Committee more than a year back.

After reviewing the views of various authorities, the committee rejected the proposal, saying that it cripples commercial freedom in the Kingdom. “No further restrictions are needed,” committee members said.

A decision is hoped to be made when the MPs vote on the committee’s report this Tuesday.