The rules and regulations surrounding street vendors and mobile food vendors have been outlined by a government minister as municipal authorities continue to support and encourage small and youth-led national projects.
In his response to a question by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh on licences, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak stressed that the ministry placed ‘great importance’ on public services and facilities as part of its responsibility to enhance the kingdom’s civilised image and provide the best services to citizens and residents.
He explained that the activity of street vendors has been regulated since 2006 under resolutions issued by the municipal councils and published in the Official Gazette, noting that the core conditions and standards are unified across all governorates.
“These regulations aim to restrict the profession to Bahrainis, support them economically, ensure compliance with public health and safety standards, and organise locations where the activity is permitted,” Mr Al Mubarak said.
According to the ministry, a street vendor licence is granted only to Bahraini citizens, aged 18 or above, who are medically fit and free from infectious diseases.
Applicants must not be employed in the public or private sector or registered in the commercial register, and the licence is personal and non-transferable.
The document is issued for one year and must be renewed within the final month of validity.
The minister highlighted that ‘no individual may be granted more than one street vendor licence across all municipalities,” adding that the occupancy system has been electronically programmed to prevent duplicate applications.
“Any vendor operating in more than one location, or outside the area specified, is considered in violation and will face legal action, including suspension of the licence,” he said.
Mr Al Mubarak revealed that the total number of legal street vendors across the kingdom currently stands at 31. In 2023, 10 licences were issued, followed by seven in 2024 and 14 in 2025.
One has been suspended by the Muharraq Municipality for breaching regulatory conditions.
Strict prohibitions apply to street vendors, including operating near highways, traffic lights, government buildings, markets selling similar goods, or within parks.
Vendors are also barred from selling cooked food, milk products without health approval, or prohibited items, and from causing noise, pollution or disturbance to nearby residents.
On mobile food vehicles, the minister clarified that licensing falls under another authority, while the ministry regulates locations under Resolution No 38 of 2020.
“These requirements are designed to ensure traffic safety, public cleanliness and the comfort of nearby residents,” Mr Al Mubarak said.
He added that mobile food trucks must not obstruct roads, must maintain minimum distances from intersections and buildings, and must comply with civil defence and public safety standards.
In residential areas, operating hours are limited from 6am to midnight, and vehicles may not remain parked outside those hours.
Mr Al Mubarak confirmed that inspection campaigns are conducted regularly in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with health, labour, safety and environmental regulations.
Addressing concerns about urban appearance, the minister said the ministry is developing a comprehensive mechanism to regulate food truck locations nationwide.
“A proposal has been prepared identifying initial sites across all governorates, alongside an electronic system that will allow food truck owners to reserve locations and apply for licences,” he said, noting that the mechanism will be announced once implementation procedures are finalised.
The minister also disclosed that approval has been granted to license 18 mobile food vehicles on properties owned or allocated by municipal authorities.
“We remain committed to balancing support for national entrepreneurial initiatives with the enforcement of laws and regulations that preserve public order, safety and the kingdom’s urban landscape,” he added.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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