Riffa restaurant slammed with BD6,000 fine over unpaid municipal fees

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A restaurant in Riffa has been hit with a hefty BD6,000 fine by the High Administrative Court, following a legal battle with the Southern Municipality over unpaid fees.

The court’s decision came after the municipality claimed that the restaurant owner had neglected to pay fees for 18 months, despite numerous reminders.

In presenting their case, the municipality submitted electricity and water bills as evidence of the outstanding debt.

They reported to the court that the BD6,000 owed covered fees for the restaurant’s site and the monthly municipal charges.

The judges sided with the municipality, referencing Articles 35 and 36 of Decree Law No. 35 of 2001, which outline that fees collected for facilities and services managed by the municipality are part of its financial resources.

They further cited Articles 47 and 54 of the Executive Regulations of the Municipalities Law, enacted by the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 16 of 2002.

These regulations mandate a 10% municipal fee on the actual monthly rental value of all rented sites, regardless of the business activity or lease duration.

Adding to the drama, the court pointed out that the restaurant owner failed to appear or mount any defence against the lawsuit, sealing their fate and underscoring the municipality’s victory in this high-stakes showdown.