Gulf Daily News

MANAMA, May 30: MPs voted yesterday to ban the sale of alcohol at all clubs and civil societies in Bahrain.

They voted unanimously in favour of the ban, which will now go to the Cabinet for a final decision.

The ban would come under a new article to the 1989 law governing societies, social and cultural clubs, youth and sports organisations and other "special organisations".

It was recommended by parliament's services committee, after being introduced by services committee chairman Dr Ali Ahmed, Shaikh Mohammed Khalid Mohammed, Ibrahim Al Hadi, Ibrahim Busandal and Shaikh Jasssim Al Saeedi.

"Here, we are not speaking about alcohol sales in Bahrain in general," said Mr Busandal, who is also committee secretary.

"We are speaking about establishments which should be protecting society.

"Some of these establishments are allowing the sale of alcohol without monitoring and supervision from the concerned government bodies, which has very dangerous effects on society, especially teenagers and youths who visit these places."