Bahrain's alcohol clamp to stay: minister
Manama, July 21, 2014
There is no going back on an alcohol ban imposed on three-star hotels in Bahrain, Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa reiterated yesterday.
She rejected fears voiced that the decision will affect tourism or investment in Bahrain, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
Shaikha Mai said the ban did not imply closure of any hotels.
It had been taken by the ministry in its role as a regulator of the kingdom's hospitality and hotel industry, she said.
The minister pointed out that His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa doesn't accept any wrong decisions.
Those contesting the decision may resort to courts if they wished, Shaikha Mai said.
The minister also said that a three-year plan to promote the tourism sector will be announced soon.
Three-stars hotel earlier claimed they could be forced to close as a result of the alcohol ban imposed on them earlier this month.
However, the ministry has remained firm and pledged to help hotel owners who want to upgrade their facilities to four stars.
Hotels in the two and one-star category are already banned from serving alcohol or staging live entertainment. - TradeArabia News Service
