Karak shops could be allowed to stay open round-the-clock in Muharraq, to meet the increasing demand for the popular hot drink.
Muharraq Municipal Council members approved multiple proposals to open 24/7 businesses including karak shops, men’s salons, tyre repair and change garages, mobile fixing and laundries.
Only vice-chairman Saleh Buhazaa rejected the move, saying that the concept should only apply to pharmacies.
Mr Buhazaa
“We are already plagued with expat bachelors living in residential areas and if we allow more businesses, mainly karak shops, to stay open round-the-clock then I fear that people would be robbed of their peace of mind,” he said.
“Also, the annoying practice of blowing car horns, which mercifully ends at midnight now, will continue throughout the night, disturbing people trying to sleep after work or school,” he added.
“I am not against becoming cosmopolitan, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the people.
“Anyway, karak is not an important service for it to be offered 24/7. And neither are any of the other services the council wants to offer day and night, with the only exception being pharmacies.”
‘Karak chai’ is sweet, milky tea made by boiling water, thick canned milk, tea leaves, sugar and cardamom. It is popular in Bahrain and other Gulf nations.
Meanwhile, council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the requests were restricted to particular areas, which are witnessing vast residential urbanisation.
Mr Al Naar
“Who gave the implication that karak shops aren’t 24/7 already in some areas?
“People can pay more and get the round-the-clock permit in their commercial registration (CR) for any service nowadays,” he explained.
“Anyway, we should be having services at any time and shouldn’t disallow any commercial outlet from opening just because we have concerns or there is misbehaviour by a few people.
“I am not blocking anyone’s opinion, but we have to be realistic, and it is time that services, even karak, are available everywhere and anywhere.”
The GDN reported earlier that new businesses, mainly karak shops, could be obliged to get consent from the General Directorate of Traffic before being issued commercial registrations (CRs) to operate in busy areas under a proposal by the Southern Municipal Council.
Southern councillors sought to ensure that thorough background checks were made before CRs were issued to avoid potential parking and traffic flow issues.
This follows numerous public complaints about uncaring commuters parking in the middle of busy thoroughfares to buy karak tea, fruits and grills on their way to and from work.
Representational image
The Industry and Commerce Ministry dismissed the suggestion and said that it would create unnecessary complications and delays in conducting business.
A CR is currently issued electronically by the Industry and Commerce Ministry, following approvals by ministries and government bodies concerned.
However, it doesn’t require any specific security approval or research on the consequences of a business operating in a specific area, except a permit from the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Civil Defence.
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