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Hotels face restrictions

Manama, September 12, 2007

Tough restrictions are being imposed on all Bahrain's hotels during Ramadan, sources revealed.

A total ban on alcohol sales is being imposed in all the country's hotels throughout the Holy Month, for the third year running, a Gulf Daily News report said quoting the sources.

Hoteliers reported receiving a Tourism Affairs circular ordering them to halt all alcohol sales throughout Ramadan.

Hotels had for years been allowed to serve alcohol after sunset during Ramadan and there was anger when a total ban was introduced in 2005.

Some five star hotels assumed they were exempt from the ban and continued serving alcohol until a fresh order was issued, following protests from MPs. Individual outlets within hotels which initially defied the ban were ordered to remain closed for seven days after Ramadan as a punishment.

This was a major blow for outlets which traditionally rely on Eid to make up for the Ramadan lull. Outlets in all but two of the country's five star hotels and one four star hotel were hit by the penalty.

The ban has always applied to licensed restaurants which are not part of hotels. All restaurants and other food outlets must close during the fasting hours, the new circular confirmed.

Live entertainment is also banned during Ramadan.




Tags: hotels | Ramadan | curbs |

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