Legislators and municipal officials are demanding decisive action following a sharp rise in drunken and disorderly behaviour in some of Bahrain’s busiest nightlife districts, particularly Juffair, amidst mounting complaints from angry residents.
Chairman of Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee and the area representative for Juffair, Umm Al Hassam, Adliya, Ghuraifa and Mina Salman Hassan Bukhammas said he has been inundated with shocking reports of public indecency and vandalism.
Residents have allegedly complained of revellers urinating in public, spitting on doorsteps, sleeping outside apartment entrances, damaging vehicles and causing disturbances in residential parking areas and outside commercial outlets.
“It is disgusting behaviour,” said Mr Bukhammas, calling on inspectors and police to take immediate and decisive action.
“We are a civilised country and everyone has to act sensibly or face the consequences.
He stressed that Juffair’s reputation as a vibrant nightlife destination cannot be used as an excuse for such misconduct.
According to Mr Bukhammas, the problem is most pronounced late at night in areas popular with nightlife-goers, where people under the influence appear unwilling to queue for toilets available inside venues.
“I believe that residents of my area, mainly Juffair, have every right to be furious when they wake up to see their parked cars splashed with urine, drunken people asleep outside their doorstep or apartment building entrance, or find that
their car windows have been smashed or their vehicles defaced,” he said.
their car windows have been smashed or their vehicles defaced,” he said.
He claimed that the situation had become increasingly alarming.
“Nowadays, even women under the influence have been spotted knocking on doors – most recently during Christmas and New Year. Every weekend we are witnessing the same scenes. It is not a trend, but it is alarming enough,” he added.
Under the 2019 Public Cleanliness Law, public urination, spitting and similar offences are illegal and
can result in fines ranging from BD50 to BD300, as well as arrest.
can result in fines ranging from BD50 to BD300, as well as arrest.
Mr Bukhammas said tougher enforcement was essential.
“Offenders must be slapped with heavy fines. Decisive action by the authorities needs to be witnessed on a regular basis for the message to be driven home that we will not stand for this kind of behaviour,” he said.
He also called for visible warnings to be installed in problem areas.
“Signs and notices about the fines should be erected without delay, similar to those in the Old Manama Suq area warning against spitting and urinating, which appear to be working,” he added.
Backing the calls for action is Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah, who said such irresponsible behaviour posed serious risks if left unchecked.
“Allowing this problem to continue unabated will not only tarnish the image of Bahrain’s popular tourism districts, but also pose health risks and create a sense of insecurity among residents and visitors,” Mr Tarradah said.
He confirmed that co-ordination was already underway between municipal bodies and security authorities to crack down on violators.
“We are working together with those concerned to strengthen public surveillance, impose fines and increase police presence in key areas, especially during
late-night hours, to deter individuals from engaging in such acts,” he said.
late-night hours, to deter individuals from engaging in such acts,” he said.
Mr Tarradah described the planned clampdown as part of a broader effort to safeguard public order.
“This is about ensuring that Bahrain’s lively and public spaces maintain high standards of cleanliness, order and respect for public decency,” he said.
He said the move is also aimed at preserving Bahrain’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination
for both residents and tourists, particularly in lively districts such as Juffair.
for both residents and tourists, particularly in lively districts such as Juffair.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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