MANAMA: Authorities in Bahrain have shut down bars and discos at several one and two star hotels on the island yesterday. The closures follow instructions from the newly appointed Culture and Information Minister Sheikha Mai bint Mohamed Al-Khalifa.
According to the order, some hotels are banned from selling alcohol and employing female singers and dancers. According to sources, the ban will only affect hotels and restaurants in residential areas. Hoteliers, however, are unclear about the rule.
Bahrain’s night entertainment scene has been traditionally given color by live bands, with performers from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
The decision also comes at a time when lawmakers are furious at Manama being ranked the eighth sin capital of the world in a survey by Askmen.com, which reported that Bahrain is a Middle Eastern party oasis. The clean up drive in the hotel and restaurant sector also climaxes a drive launched last year by the Tourism Affairs in response to appeals by different sectors to maintain clean tourism in the country.
