Government rejects proposal to ban concerts, Halloween parties

Manama : A proposal to ban music concerts and Halloween parties in the Kingdom has been rejected by the Government saying such events “are purposeful and have cultural and intellectual value”. 

Making the proposal MPs Mohammed Al Maarifi and Mohsen Al Bakri said that the ban is necessary to save public money and to “respect the emotions of fellow Muslim nations and tragic conditions in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”

The proposal demanded to “put a leash” on music concerts and Halloween parties organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). 

In its reply rejecting the proposal, the authority said: “BACA ensures that the events it organises are purposeful and have a cultural and intellectual value”.

BACA also told the MPs that most of the events and activities organised by BACA are the result of “official cultural agreements and protocols between the Kingdom and other countries”. 

“Cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and the countries of the world shouldn’t be affected by political and security situations of the region,” the Government replied to MPs.

The statement also clarified that BACA has no association with the Halloween parties and events organised by individuals. 

This response and further details to the MPs’ demands will be discussed in the presence of government representatives on Tuesday during the weekly session of the House of Representatives.