JEDDAH: Several young people have had their wedding plans disrupted when the municipality here recently closed four wedding halls in the east of the city because they did not have licenses to operate.

Mohammed Obeid Al-Buqami, spokesman of the municipality, was quoted as saying by a local publication that the halls were closed after the owners in Breiman ignored several warnings for them to obtain permits.

Khaled Al-Sharaabi, one of the supervisors at a closed-down hall, blamed the municipality, saying that “inspectors came and closed the doors without considering bookings.” He said he informed the brides and grooms and was now waiting for a solution from the municipality. “We are fully committed to dealing with the authorities to get permits and complete any procedures, but without having our venues closed down. We have commitments and previous bookings.”

Saeed Al-Salmi, a groom, said that he cannot fault the municipality but was now facing a tough situation. He said he had arrived at the hall where his wedding was to take place and found concrete blocks in front of the doors. “How is this my fault?” he said.

He said that he has not been able to convince municipal officials to overturn their decision and allow his wedding to take place. He said the municipality and the hall owners should have at least put up a warning that the place would be closed. However, he accused the owners of failing to uphold their responsibilities.

With the wedding of his relative taking place on Friday, Khaled Al-Ghamdi said: “What can we do? Where will we go? Who will refund our money?”