Manama: Bahrain’s Muharraq Municipal Council has called for stricter regulations to prevent shisha cafes from operating near residential areas, schools, places of worship and public service centres, citing concerns over public health and residents’ quality of life.
The council’s General Committee recommended introducing tighter licensing rules to ensure shisha cafes are located away from sensitive public areas. It also urged the government to give municipalities a greater role in approving future licences.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting chaired by Muharraq Municipal Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al Nar, with the participation of senior council members and committee heads.
Al Nar said the council supports legitimate business activity but stressed that public health and community well-being must remain the top priority.
He argued that municipal councils should play a formal role in deciding where shisha cafes can operate, as they are closest to local communities, receive residents’ complaints directly and understand the needs of each neighbourhood.
According to Al Nar, allowing shisha cafes to open near homes, educational institutions, places of worship or public service centres could negatively affect surrounding communities. He added that involving municipal councils in the licensing process would improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in local decision-making.
The council’s recommendations are aimed at creating a healthier urban environment while ensuring future licensing decisions better reflect community interests.
