MANAMA: The Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Industry has announced the implementation of the new law which forbids non-tourist restaurants from extracting additional charges (service charge) from their customers when providing food and beverages services in the non-tourist restaurants and cafes. The decision was published in the official Gazette issued on Thursday, June 9, 2016 and will enter into force in July 10, 2016.
The Consumer Protection Department calls all restaurants and cafes to adhere on what is stated in the decision and rectify their situations to avoid facing legal and administrative procedures against violators.
The decision stipulates that violating restaurants and coffee shops would be subjected to a fine not exceeding BD10,000 as provided in article (20). Non-tourist restaurants and cafes can get a license to practice tourist service after the approval from Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Exhibitions if they meet the requirements and necessary procedures stipulated in Decree Law No. “15” for the year 1986 on organizing tourism.
the Director of Tourism Facilities & Services of the Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Exhibitions has classified tourist and non-tourist restaurants and cafes by placing logo on the front of the restaurant or café, so easy the consumer can distinguish them and report any violations it may be monitored.
According to the decision, restaurants and cafes that do not have tourist classification are required to rectify their situations within one month from publishing the decision, which ends on July 9, 2016 includes adjust menus and invoices issued to consumer under the name of those restaurants and cafes.
The Consumer Protection Department calls the public to cooperate with the Directorate through the concept of community partnership any similar violations by calling by reporting consumer protection call center on 17007003.
