Complaint plan on alcohol ban in Bahrain
Manama, July 22, 2014
Tourism investors are planning to file a complaint with the World Tourism Organisation against Bahrain’s tourism directorate and Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa following a decision banning three-star hotels from serving alcohol.
The complaint will include “abusive” measures, particularly closure of facilities and withdrawal of licences without granting owners enough time to arrange their situation, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
It will also state the substantial damages such as the laying off of about 5,000 workers from various nationalities, including nearly 1,000 Bahrainis, as a result of the decision.
They said they will take time before resorting to Bahraini courts in consideration of the status enjoyed by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with the business community.
Losses incurred by the sector are estimated at BD200 million ($524.4 million) per year, they said, stressing they will demand the government to bear all financial fines and compensations.
Hoteliers also accused some members of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry of defending the decision to achieve personal gains related to elections, sources added. - TradeArabia News Service
