Bahrain police will be out in force to ensure people do not breach a ban on eating and drinking in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan.

Patrols will be stepped up across the country to catch offenders, who could face fines of up to BD100 ($265.96), said an Interior Ministry spokesman.

He said community police officers will also visit restaurants and coffee shops to ensure there are no violations during daylight hours.

"Eating and smoking in public during Ramadan is considered disrespecting Islam and Muslims," he said.

The spokesman said police had the right to arrest offenders, who would be fined and have their cases referred to the Public Prosecution.

"Security forces have the power to arrest Muslims and non-Muslims eating in public during the fasting hours," he said.

"According to Article 309 in the Penal Code, those disrespecting religions could be fined BD100 and jailed for up to one year."

The holy month is expected to start within the next 10 days and the Ministry is set to announce regulations for Ramadan tents that are popular among families and companies who hold Ghabga.

Smoking, eating and drinking in public is not allowed from sunrise to sunset.

"Respecting Islamic regulations is a must," said the spokesman. "Violators will be referred to the court and charged according to the Penal Code."

The spokesman said coffee shops and restaurants would be notified by authorities to not serve customers during the fasting hours.

"They will not be permitted to receive customers during fasting hours, but they can open to prepare for Iftar and Suhoor meals," he said.

"The ministry calls upon the public to respect traditional and Islamic values as well as regulations during Ramadan," he added.

Health Ministry officials earlier warned people could be fasting in temperatures that could reach up to 50C.

They plan to launch a campaign targeting construction workers, who work in the humid conditions to help prevent them from suffering from heat stroke and dehydration.

People fasting have been urged to drink adequate amount of water during Iftar and avoid soft drinks and caffeine. – TradeArabia News Service