Capital Trustees Oppose Plan for Fixed Business Hours

Proposal would restrict most businesses from operating before 5am and after midnight

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A proposal to introduce fixed operating hours for commercial establishments in Bahrain has sparked debate among municipal authorities, with the Capital Trustees Board voicing strong opposition to the measure and questioning its effectiveness.

The proposal, approved by the Southern Municipal Council, seeks to prevent businesses from opening before 5am and require them to close by midnight unless they obtain a special licence allowing round-the-clock operations. Supporters argue that the measure would help reduce disturbances in residential neighbourhoods, where residents have raised concerns about noise and late-night activity.

However, members of the Capital Trustees Board believe the proposal places unnecessary restrictions on businesses and fails to address the actual causes of those complaints.

Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said commercial operators are best positioned to determine the hours that suit their customers and business needs. He argued that linking residents’ concerns to shop operating hours oversimplifies a more complex issue.

According to Mr Tarradah, complaints such as excessive use of vehicle horns stem from individual behaviour rather than the presence of businesses themselves. Restricting trading hours, he said, would do little to resolve such problems and could instead create new challenges for consumers and business owners alike.

He also highlighted the importance of flexible business hours in supporting residents with non-traditional work schedules. Essential services, including laundries and dry-cleaning shops, often serve customers who work shifts and rely on access outside standard daytime hours.

The board chairman further stressed that Bahrain’s economy benefits from a business environment that allows enterprises to operate according to demand. He noted that cafés, restaurants and other service-oriented businesses often experience peak activity during evening hours, making extended operations an important part of their commercial viability.

While rejecting blanket restrictions, Mr Tarradah acknowledged that certain activities, such as garages and workshops, may require different regulations due to their operational nature and potential impact on surrounding communities.

Supporting the board’s position, vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan said businesses continue to face economic pressures and should not be burdened with additional measures that could slow their recovery. She warned that imposing new restrictions at this stage could create further challenges for commercial establishments already adapting to changing market conditions.