Job losses warning over Bahrain alcohol ban plan

JOBS WARNING: A ban on alcohol sales in Bahrain will have a devastating effect on the hospitality industry, sector leaders say. (ITP Images - for illustrative purposes only)

Hospitality industry leaders in Bahrain have warned that the sector faces huge job losses if the government's proposed blanket ban on alcohol sales goes ahead.

Bahrain Institute of Hospitality Management managing director Qutub Dadabhai said the hospitality industry would be decimated if a proposed ban on public sales of alcohol at hotels, restaurants, clubs and off-licences is approved by the Cabinet.

Nearly a quarter of the country's working population is employed in the industry, many of them Bahrainis, he said in comments published by Gulf Daily News on Thursday.

"A lot of jobs will definitely be lost," said Mr Dadabhai. "Alcohol is not the main aspect of tourism in Bahrain - the key is that it has a knock-on affect on food and retailing in the country," he told the paper.

"Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world and there has been a huge increase in the number of jobs available to Bahrainis in the industry in recent years," he added.

His warning was echoed by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry tourism committee chairman Nabeel Kanoo, who said the ban could be devastating.

"If this (the ban) was to happen it would have a devastating affect on the message Bahrain is trying to send to the rest of the world," Kanoo told the paper.

MPs voted unanimously in favour of the ban on Tuesday and the proposal must now go to the Cabinet, which has the power to reject it.

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READERS' COMMENTS

The Real Bahrain.
Posted by Sam on Sunday 18 October 2009 at 14:27 UAE time


"Control" is a failed concept. You see it in all the countries where they ban the freedom to choose. It's becoming a very hostile world and censoring/ banning is become now a format of all every institute. Soon teh world will divide and an eye for an eye will make thsi world go blind.

Just reason by looking at countries that have already done so you realise it's more a white wash and a breeding ground for the black market.

They tried to ban cable TV and it flurished in the black market. Even alcohol will do so eventually. But what will happen in the process it will hurt what little economy Bahrain has from tourism.

I being born in Bahrain know that the youth in bahrain have a bigger issue with drugs than alcohol. And Drugs its already banned there. The MPs need to really focus on priorities.

This will only make the outsider view bahraini's as another fanatic race of people who have no room for other cultures or thoughts.

Its not about what comes on the TV it's about your right to change the channel.

But one day they will learn how democracy too can fail when it led by house of MPs who know nothing about administration.

I wish all the best to Bahrain. I hope I'm wrong about this Final outcome.

Alcohol ban plan
Posted by Afra, khobar, KSA on Monday 29 June 2009 at 00:49 UAE time


for all those who are talking about the set back in freedom: alcohol is a toxic substance which cost the health systems around the world billions of dollars every year. it is a killer in itself, a cause of cancer and a cause of car accidents. tourism based on alcohol and sex trade is the worst kind and all countries should avoid it, being a muslim should strengthen this point. good for you bahrain, this way you get rid of those who seek to pollute you and open your arms to those seeking quality time

Sami unplugged!
Posted by Ian, Dubai, UAE on Friday 5 June 2009 at 12:30 UAE time


Sami
What ridiculous comments. There is a significant weekly 'flood' of Saudi Nationals who head across the Causeway to partake of the freedoms that Bahrain offers. Have you been blind to this? I do see an advantage for Bahrain in the banning of alcohol, but that is simply a reduction in the number of trafic accidents caused by the combination of Saudi's, alcohol and their cars! Wake up and smell the coffee mate!

What is the goal behind the ban?
Posted by Tim, Dubai, UAE on Thursday 14 May 2009 at 11:19 UAE time


The effect on the economy is a big issue, but it is not THE issue. Is Bahrain serious about freedoms and acceptance of different cultures or not? I lived there for 14 months and despite the country's shortcomings it has my affection for not trying as hard as its neighbours to modify the behaviour of expats. It seemed somehow more sophisticated and worldly-wise in this. But on one hand Bahrain is set to scrap the sponsorship system, and on the other to blanket ban alcohol......what message are its leaders trying to convey to potential new residents?

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