NEW operating times have been set for tourist facilities, according to a decision published by Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi in the latest edition of the Official Gazette.
According to the directives, outlets designated for food and beverage services will now close by 3am.
As per the update 2024 regulations, tourist services such as music performances and live DJs are banned after 2.30am, with the restrictions lasting until 12pm in Category I to VI outlets, and until 6pm in a Category VII facility.
Following the publication of the new directive, the ministerial decision issued by Ms Al Sairafi in March 2023 now stands cancelled.
The categories of food and beverage outlets and their definition
Under the previous strictures, all activities were ordered to stop at 3am, with serving food and beverages resuming at 6am. But since there was no order to the contrary, some outlets also started offering entertainment from 6am onwards.
Despite the new operating timings being seen as a solution to residents’ complaints about noise, MPs yesterday presented a proposal to force nightclubs, discos and bars instal sound buffers.
Led by Capital Governorate constituency four (Al Fateh, Guraifa, Juffair, Umm Al Hassam, Gudaibiya, Mina Salman, Adliya and Abu Ghazal) representative MP Hassan Bukhammas, the members of Parliament want tourist facilities to instal the buffers within six months of a decision by the Tourism Minister, as many residents in bustling areas such as Juffair and Hoora continue to complain that they are being robbed of their peace of mind.
“As cities expand, entertainment venues such as nightclubs and discos are increasingly finding themselves in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods, whether homes or apartment buildings,” said Mr Bukhammas, who is a Juffair resident.
“There are ongoing challenges related to noise pollution, with loud music and vibrations often disturbing residents,” he stressed.
“To mitigate this, installing sound buffers can minimise noise transmission from one space to another.”
Mr Bukhammas firmly believes that noise pollution can lead to stress, sleep disturbances and other health issues for residents, making it crucial for nightclubs to adopt noise control measures.
“Moreover, reducing noise can enhance the nightclub’s relationship with the community, avoiding legal issues or forced closures,” he said.
“There are multiple types of sound buffers such as acoustic panels, bass traps, soundproof curtains and barriers, double-glazed windows or vibration dampening technology that could be used or a combination of any of these.”
Mr Bukhammas said there should be regular monitoring of sound levels outside the club to ensure compliance with local noise regulations.
He maintained that many cities had stringent noise regulations, particularly in mixed-use zones where residential areas coexist with commercial establishments.”
The veteran MP said that the new 12pm opening would continue creating issues since it falls during day prayer times.
“The loud music that residents living near nightclubs have to deal with is often annoying, irritating and tiresome,” he added.
“The new opening timing at 12pm is close to noon-time prayers and without the sound buffer the complaints will continue to mount.”
The proposal has been presented to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to list for review and debate during the new term, starting next month.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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