Food truck operators across Bahrain have been handed a six-month deadline to comply with rules and regulations or risk facing tough action, including the removal of unauthorised structures, under a government crackdown aimed at ending urban clutter and safety violations.
The warning has been issued by Northern Municipality director-general and national co-ordinator of Bahrain’s food truck regulation project Mohammed Al Sehli.
Operators have been given until December 21 to bring their businesses into full compliance with municipal, health and safety regulations.
The campaign is being jointly led by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry along with other government authorities following growing complaints from residents and institutions over violations linked to mobile food outlets.
Mr Al Sehli said the move was designed to support business owners while restoring order.
“This six-month period allows existing food truck operators to complete all legal procedures and fulfil regulatory requirements so they can continue operating within an approved framework,” he said.
“The campaign reflects a shared government effort to strengthen compliance, protect public health and safety, and preserve Bahrain’s urban appearance across all areas of the kingdom.”
Authorities say action became necessary after complaints were received over unregulated structures, visual pollution and poor organisation surrounding some food truck sites.
Mr Al Sehli revealed that several operators had illegally added permanent structures such as fences and seating areas without obtaining the required approvals.
“The current campaign directly responds to public complaints regarding practices that have negatively affected the urban landscape and general organisation in certain areas,” he said.
“We want to address these issues within the legal framework while ensuring this important economic activity continues in an organised and sustainable way.”
Officials stressed that no new fees are being introduced, with operators only required to complete existing approvals under regulations issued through Decision No 13 of 2017 and Decision No 38 of 2020, which govern mobile food businesses.
Under the rules, food trucks operating in residential areas must use silent generators, remain open only between 6am and midnight, stay within private property boundaries, maintain a 20-metre distance from buildings and nearby trucks, and remove tables and chairs immediately after service.
Additional conditions prohibit trucks from parking within street boundaries, blocking buildings, operating near traffic intersections, or causing excessive noise.
A written approval from property owners remains mandatory.
Mr Al Sehli said new businesses would need to meet all licensing conditions before receiving permits, while existing operators are being given time to correct violations, if any.
“The goal is to create a legally stable environment that protects operators themselves, gives them access to approved locations, safeguards their rights and increases consumer confidence,” he said.
He warned that once the grace period ends, authorities will move decisively.
“After December 21, legal action will be taken, including removing unauthorised permanent structures and violations, while only properly licensed food trucks operating under approved conditions will be allowed to remain.”
For Bahrain’s booming food truck sector, the countdown to compliance has officially begun.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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