DAMMAM: The municipality here has given all non-compliant shops one week to put up mandatory price lists for consumers. The establishments include health facilities, restaurants, butchers and operators at the local fish market.

The municipality has targeted 7,000 health establishments in the region, said Mohammed Al-Safyan, spokesman of the municipality, in a press statement on Wednesday.

He said the aim was to ensure that there is transparent pricing and prevent traders from overcharging consumers. The move has been welcomed by the public, he said.

The municipality’s department of environmental health has conducted a comprehensive survey of all its health facilities, stores selling food, laundromats, hair salons, restaurants and butchers.

Al-Qahtani said health inspectors and veterinarians have been instructed to warn and fine those who violate the regulations. He said the municipality has received several complaints about shops that have failed to put up price lists.

All violating establishments have been instructed to comply within a period of no more than one week to avoid further penalties, which include fines and closure.

“The decision is considered a great move toward positive and fair competition and will ensure transparency in buying and selling activities,” said Al-Qahtani.

He said the mandatory price lists would be extended to other municipalities gradually.