The rules and regulations surrounding street vendors and mobile food vendors have been outlined by a government minister as municipal authorities continue to support and encourage small and youth-led national projects.
In his response to a question by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh on licences, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak stressed that the ministry placed ‘great importance’ on public services and facilities as part of its responsibility to enhance the kingdom’s civilised image and provide the best services to citizens and residents.
He explained that the activity of street vendors has been regulated since 2006 under resolutions issued by the municipal councils and published in the Official Gazette, noting that the core conditions and standards are unified across all governorates.
“These regulations aim to restrict the profession to Bahrainis, support them economically, ensure compliance with public health and safety standards, and organise locations where the activity is permitted,” Mr Al Mubarak said.
According to the ministry, a street vendor licence is granted only to Bahraini citizens, aged 18 or above, who are medically fit and free from infectious diseases.
Applicants must not be employed in the public or private sector or registered in the commercial register, and the licence is personal and non-transferable.
The document is issued for one year and must be renewed within the final month of validity.
The minister highlighted that ‘no individual may be granted more than one street vendor licence across all municipalities,” adding that the occupancy system has been electronically programmed to prevent duplicate applications.
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