A newdraft law tightening controls on advertising and significantly increasing penalties for violations is set for debate during the Shura Council’s weekly session on Sunday.
The bill, which has been endorsed by the public utilities and environment affairs committee, amends several provisions of the 1973 Advertising Law, introducing tougher punishments for unlicensed advertisements, false permit applications and obstructing inspectors.
It also expands the definition of advertising to cover modern digital and illuminated displays, while granting the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry broader authority to regulate the fast-growing sector.
Committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan said the amendments were necessary to ‘restore order to a sector that has evolved far beyond what the 1973 law envisioned’ and stressed that the updated penalties were designed to protect public safety and preserve the kingdom’s visual environment.
Under the revised Article 16, offenders face imprisonment and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD20,000 for a series of violations, including:
- Advertising without a licence or in breach of licensing conditions;
- Submitting false or misleading information to obtain a permit;
- Using illegal methods to secure authorisation; and
- Obstructing municipal inspectors or withholding required records and documents.
The law also stipulates that penalties multiply with the number of violations, meaning each illegal advertisement will be treated as a separate offence.
“In the past, violations could be settled with minimal fines that no longer reflect the commercial scale of today’s advertising market,” Dr Hassan said.
“The updated law introduces a deterrent strong enough to prevent deliberate breaches and protect Bahrain’s urban identity.”
Courts will also be obliged to order the removal of the offending advertisement, with the violator required to restore the location to its original condition at their own expense.
The amended Article 17 raises the fine for anyone who damages, tears down, or defaces a properly licensed advertisement. The penalty, previously capped at BD50, may now reach up to BD1,000.
The law expands the definition of advertisements to account for technological developments, including digital screens, LED displays, and light-based signage, which were not covered under the 1973 legislation.
The new Article 14 bis allows the minister, with Cabinet approval, to delegate certain enforcement responsibilities to specialised entities.
“This allows the ministry to keep pace with the growing volume and complexity of advertising,” Dr Hassan said.
The bill also abolishes Article 5, which previously required the formation of a multi-agency committee to oversee advertising implementation. Authority will now be centralised within the ministry.
“The presence of multiple committees often created delays. Centralising responsibility ensures clearer accountability and faster service,” Dr Hassan explained.
The Shura Council’s legislative and legal affairs committee confirmed that the draft law complied with constitutional requirements, while the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry described the amendments as “a comprehensive reform step” that aligns with Bahrain’s urban and commercial development.
“The amendments provide the necessary legal tools to regulate the sector effectively, deter violations and support a cleaner and more organised visual environment,” said Dr Hassan.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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