A restaurant in the Northern Governorate has been shut down by the Industry and Commerce Ministry after inspections reportedly revealed that it was operating without the necessary authorisation.
The ministry’s Inspection Directorate took action against the establishment after investigations showed that it did not have the licences to sell food or drinks.
The restaurant also operated online without permissions from the same location as well.
An inspection of the restaurant’s commercial registration (CR) number showed that the number displayed on its name board did not exist on the Sijilat platform.
“Activities that involve selling and serving food and drinks to customers are linked directly to the health and wellbeing of people, including both customers and workers,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Therefore, getting the proper licences is crucial, because it shows business owners’ compliance with the health and cleanliness standards set by the authorities.
“We urge all business owners in Bahrain to ensure that they get the necessary licences before they start operating their establishments, especially those serving food and drinks.”
Further investigations allegedly proved that the owner operated the restaurant without fulfilling the necessary requirements, leading to its closure and legal action.
Opening a restaurant in Bahrain requires a CR through the Industry and Commerce Ministry’s Sijilat Portal, a Food Establishment Licence from the relevant Municipality, a Public Health clearance from the Health Ministry, and a fire safety approval from the Civil Defence.
Restaurants operating in a tourism-classified zone or that provide specific tourism/entertainment services, in addition to serving food, also must get approval from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
The Industry and Commerce Ministry conducts routine field and electronic inspection campaigns across commercial markets, retail shops and industrial areas in all four governorates to protect consumer rights, ensure price stability, and enforce compliance with commercial and consumer protection laws.
According to statistics provided by the ministry, inspectors conducted as many as 3,191 visits covering various sectors and markets across the kingdom.
From March 1 to July 31, a total of 2,15’6 inspections were held at food stores, 234 at bakeries, 98 at central markets, and 703 at other commercial establishments.
Inspectors found 178 violations, including 176 relating to prices, and the remaining two involving commercial fraud.
Officials took legal action against 31 violators, including the issuing of 21 final warnings and ordering eight administrative closures. Two establishments were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action.
Consumers are urged to report violations by emailing inspection@moic.gov.bh, through the national Tawasul suggestions and complaints system, or via WhatsApp on 17111225.
The GDN reported last month that four food shops were found to have violated consumer protection regulations, while another commercial establishment was closed administratively following an intensified inspection campaign.
Inspectors also found that four food outlets had failed to display prices on products, while some charged customers prices at the checkout that differed from those displayed on shelves. The inspections also uncovered expired food products being offered for sale.
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