11-02-2025
Licence for Outdoor Umbrella
Members of the Northern Municipal Council were divided during their regular session over proposed guidelines from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs to regulate outdoor umbrellas extending beyond property boundaries, while a councilor claimed that the new specifications could make the cost hit BD350.
Several councillors opposed mandatory requirements that would force citizens and residents to obtain permits for installing umbrellas, considering these an unnecessary financial burden.
The Northern Municipal Council's Technical Committee discussed the proposal, and sent it back with some comments, but its head, councillor Jasem Hijres, expressed his rejection against it, asserting citizens are already burdened by salary deductions without needing further costs.
Among the comments attached allowing one-time payments and exempting low-income citizens from settling the fees.
'Citizens are already embroiled with financial challenges, and imposing additional costs through this proposal would only add to their struggles,' Hijres stated.
He stressed the importance of considering the current economic climate and the financial strain many families face.
'Our goal should be to support citizens, not to burden them further,' he added, urging fellow council members to carefully reconsider the proposal before any final decisions are made.
Meanwhile, councillor Abdulla Ashoor claimed that the new specifications will hike up the umbrella prices to BD350.
'99% of the citizens use umbrellas made of iron,' stated Ashour, explaining: 'These specifications could make a single umbrella cost over 350 Bahraini dinars.'
Councillor Abdullah Al Qubaisi agreed with Ashoor, adding that some conditions included with the proposal were 'impractical,'.
Standards
'We need to ensure proper standards and safety for the installation of the outdoor umbrellas. However, it's essential that any measures implemented do not place an additional financial burden on citizens. We need to find a balanced approach that prioritises community needs without compromising affordability,' he explained.
Councillor Basem Abuidrees insisted on abstaining from approving the proposal.
'We must support citizens and development but I find this proposal unclear. I recommend returning it for further study,'Abuidrees stressed.
The Northern Municipal Council's Deputy Chair Zainah Jassim affirmed the councils' role is developing legislation, stating the technical committee shouldn't outright reject the proposal without providing its inputs.
