PLANS to ban coffee shops serving sheesha at a busy Manama coastline have gone up in smoke. A government official confirmed that it would not be enforced because it was "illogical".
The ban came into effect on Al Fateh Corniche at the start of this month, sparking protests by coffee shop owners.
It dates back to a ministerial decision in 2006, which outlawed sheesha in public parks, gardens, on coasts, beaches and corniches.
Coffee shops within 200 metres of homes, hospitals, embassies, educational institutions, government establishments and places of worship were also affected.
"The decree is illogical because it doesn't target smoking in whole. It just targets serving sheesha," said the top government official, who asked to remain anonymous.
"It is understandable if the ban is only on coffee shops near homes. But on coastal areas away from residences, that's something I can't agree with.
"Coasts are open places and if we ban people from smoking there and other open places, many will smoke in their homes, which is more harmful and dangerous than smoking outside."
It means it is business as usual at seven coffee shops on Al Fateh Corniche, which will not be punished for selling sheesha.
"Even Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Mansoor bin Rajab believes the decree is full of flaws and would cause more harm to implement than if coffee shops operated as normal," he added.
"No one is backing smoking and it's something the government is trying to stub out, but this decree has sent the issue in the opposite direction.
"Instead of encouraging people to quit smoking sheesha, many are now interested because they want to challenge."
The official said the decree must be revised before it can be implemented further.
"As a municipal official, I believe that things should happen gradually rather than at once," he said.
"This is the case here. Those behind the decree should have informed the public then when it was issued, but they kept quiet and are now trying to change things within a month, which I believe is impossible.
"The decree has to be amended if we don't want to see chaos.
"The problem is that the issue is not just a municipal matter. Others like the Health and Industry and Commerce ministries are also involved.
"They have to come up with clear guidelines that will help stub out smoking, but at the same ensure that things are being done logically."
maqeel@gdn.com.bh
