Should Alcohol be banned in Bahrain??

[B-Patriot]

مؤكدين أن جاذبية البحرين تتمثل في انفتاحها.. ومحذرين من هروب الاستثمارات
رجال أعمال وفندقيون يحذرون من انعكاسات كارثية لـ «حظر الخمور


رأى مشتغلون في القطاع السياحي ورجال أعمال أن قانون حظر بيع وتناول الخمور في البحرين الذي اقترحه بعض النواب ممكن أن تكون له انعكاسات كارثية ليس على قطاع السياحة في البحرين فحسب بل على حركة الاستثمار عموما، مبدين تحفظهم على أسلوب الفرض والوصاية على الناس.
وحذروا من سحب استثمارات عديدة وانسحاب جماعي للشركات في حال أقر هذا المشروع إذ إن جاذبية البحرين في انفتاحها وتسامحها.
وقال عضو مجلس إدارة غرفة تجارة وصناعة البحرين نبيل كانو: «لقد عرفت البحرين بأنها بلد التسامح إذ تحوي ديانات ومذاهب مختلفة، والبحرينيون يتقبلون الآخرين ما لم يخالفوا القانون».
وأضاف تعقيباً على مساعي بعض النواب لإصدار قانون بمنع المشروبات الروحية: «الناس أحرار في خياراتهم، ولا يمكننا فرض إرادتنا على الأجانب».
ورأى أن تطبيق الاقتراح ممكن أن يؤثر على حركة الاستثمار عموما وعلى السياحة، ومن المفترض أن يمارس الجميع حياته بالطريقة التي يراها مناسبة بشرط أن يكون ذلك في حدود القوانين.
وكان مجلس النواب أقر بالتوافق مع الحكومة، مشروع قانون بإضافة مادتين جديدتين في قانون العقوبات تتعلقان بحظر المسكرات وإنزال عقوبة الحبس والغرامة التي لا تتجاوز 500 دينار أو إحدى العقوبتين على مرتكبها.
المشروع ممكن أن يتسبب بأزمات عدة
ومن ناحيته قال رجل الأعمال عمران الموسوي: «إن حظر الخمر ممكن أن يتسبب بأزمات للحكومة لان البحرين بلد لا تمتلك مقومات، وهي تحاول أن تتحرر من الاعتماد على النفط، ومثل هذا القرار ممكن أن يؤثر على البلد ويتسبب في خراب بيوت عديدة».
وتابع: «هنالك 500 مطعم مثلاً لديه رخصة كحول، ومداخيل هذه المطاعم تصب في صالح الاقتصاد الوطني».
ورأى أن «الاقتراح ينهي السياحة القليلة التي لدينا فنحن نستقطب سياح يريدون أن يمارسوا حرياتهم، وكل ذلك سوف يشل»، مشيراً إلى أن «الحديث ليس عن الحرمة والحلة ولكن الحديث عن الواقعية في اتخاذ القرارات».
ونبه إلى أن نشاط بيع الخمور في البحرين يعود لمائة عام تقريباً، ونرى دولاً اخرى صاحبة أكبر محفظة سيادية في العالم لا تحظر الخمور ولكنها تحصر عملية شرائها من الفنادق فقط، فماذا لم تقم هذه الدول بهذه الخطة على الرغم من إمكاناتها الضخمة؟، والجواب لأنها تدرك انعكاساتها على الاقتصاد.
ودعا لوقف الوصاية، وقال: هناك التزامات شهرية يتحملها البلد، ويوفرها عن طريق كميات قليلة من النفط ثم ضرائب في مقدمتها ضرائب الكحول، فكيف يستطيع البلد أن يسدد التزاماته، وذلك ممكن أن يؤدي إلى خفض الرواتب.
المدوب: الحظر سيسحب استثمارات بالملايين
ومن جهته، قال رئيس مجموعة مشتان لإدارة الفنادق حسين المدوب إن «الفنادق لا تريد أن تغرد خارج السرب، ولكن إذا ما أريد تطبيق هذا القرار فيجب تطبيقه على جميع الفنادق وشركات الخمور في البحرين».
ولكنه نبه إلى ضرورة أن يراعي النواب بأن «استثمارات كبيرة وضخمة جاءت في البحرين بناء على معطيات ووعود بأن البحرين مفتوحة وتتمتع بالحرية، وممن أن يؤثر هذا الاقتراح في سحب استثمارات بالملايين».
وذكر بأن «الشركات توافدت على البحرين بعد الحرب الأهلية في لبنان عام 1973م، بناء على أن الجو في البحرين يتسم بالانفتاح، ولكن هذا القرار ممكن أن يؤدي إلى رحيل الكثير من الشركات، وأن يعيدوا حساباتهم».
وقال المدوب «إن عصر النفط انتهى، ونحن دولة خدمات، ويجب أن نعرف ذلك ونفهمه»، مشيراً إلى أن «البحرين تواجه منافسة كبيرة من قبل الآخرين».
أما أحد التجار فقال رافضاً ذكر اسمه: «إذا بدأنا بمنع الخمر، غداً نمنع الفضائيات لأن بها أشياء مخلة، وبعد ذلك الإنترنيت ثم الأزياء الأوروبية، ولنغلق السواحل، والمطاعم. ولنفكر عن الناس ونسلب حرياتهم كيفما نشاء».
ورأى أن «هذا القرار وأمثاله ممكن أن ينهي البحرين كبلد اقتصادي، وقد وثق العالم في البحرين بوصفها بلداً تتوافر فيه الحريات»، مؤكداً بأن المسألة «لا تعدو كونها أكثر من دعاية انتخابية».
تثقيف المواطن.. وليس المنع
ورأى آخر بأن «المنع ليس حلاً، وإنما تثقيف المواطنين، لأن البلد فيه المسلمون وغير المسلمين»، محذراً من أن «هذا المنع قد يكون البداية، وستطول قائمة الممنوعات بعد ذلك».
وكان مجلس النواب أجمع على حظر تداول المسكرات أياً كانت وفي أي مكان بالمملكة. وبحسب الدستور سينتقل القانون للتصويت عليه في مجلس الشورى.
وجاء في المشروع: «يحظر في غير الأحوال المصرح بها بقرار من وزير الصحة من أجل التجارب والبحوث العلمية أو الخاص بالأدوية الطبية استيراد أو تصدير أو بيع أو حيازة أو صنع أو تقطير أي مشروب مُسكر أو تقديمه أو تناوله في الأماكن أو المحال العامة والخاصة.
وقال وزير العدل والشؤون الإسلامية الشيخ خالد بن علي آل خليفة إن «صوت الشعب والحكومة واحد»، مبينا أن «الحكومة وقفت على أهداف المشروع ووافقت عليه».
وقال أحد رجال الأعمال مفضلا عدم ذكر اسمه: سيتأثر الجميع في حال إقرار المشروع، ولربما يندم النواب أيضاً على إمضائه. وقال: لدي مهندس أجنبي أردته أن يعمل في دولة خليجيه براتب 60 ألف ريال، ولكنه رفض ذلك وقال إنه يريد العمل في البحرين بنصف الراتب، لأنه يرى أن البحرين بلد منفتح.

[TheRedofBahrain]

I dont think the Shura Council will ban it. Bahrain should be an open society and the people who want to drink should, if they dont they shouldnt. Its simple logic. The Shura Council seem to have more sense then the Nuwab, so I doubt they will ban it.

[B-Patriot]

Yeah.. I doubt it too.. But its just funny how they keep on voting on the same thing every 6 months or so.. Like this must be the 3rd time they vote to Ban it..

And it was just a little scary to think that the government was portrayed as being ssorta ok with it in the media.. But yeah, they're too smart to ever do that.. But they can't necessarily say NO so openly, without at least having some support as they do now with these leading businessmen speaking out..

Its a really good article.. The points the different businessmen cover.. Very spot on..

Its just these words and attempts alone can be harmful for investments... But i think they've done it soo much already, that hopefully investors and ppl will stop regarding them with any importance or anything...

[LeKemono]

No !!

[B-Patriot]

So obviously 'openness' can be taken to mean a number of things.. Which is part of the point.. To being vague, and yet sorta obvious...

To me i think its a message for MP's.. In relation to such issues as Banning alcohol..

What do u guys think!?

OPEN TO THE WORLD



MANAMA: Bahrain must not be left behind in the modern world, its leaders warned yesterday.

Compromising Bahrain's openness is detrimental to economic dynamism and competitiveness and can only benefit rival players in the region, they said.

"Open-ness is a key foundation of Bahrain as a country embracing the world in its cultural and civilisational diversity," His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman, said.

They defended this long-standing facet, which has characterised Bahrain throughout its history.

"Far from encroaching on Bahrain's identity and eroding its specificities, openness has been crucial in promoting economic development," they said.

They stressed the importance of openness in meeting the social, cultural and living challenges resulting from progress and development.

The whole region is witnessing an unprecedented openness, unlocking doors that used to be firmly closed, they said.

Describing Bahrain as an integral part of the region, they said it can't thus isolate itself from current trends.

The two leaders cautioned against attempts to undermine Bahrain's openness to the world.

"Any step backwards, while others go forward, will be detrimental to Bahrain's regional and global economic standing and competitiveness," they warned.

The importance of hosting functions, conferences, exhibitions, sport and cultural events came under the spotlight.

"Such events are crucial in attracting tourists and capital and further developing investment infrastructure," they said, citing Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Air Show and other key economic and trade events.

HRH the Premier congratulated HRH Prince Salman on the success of the F1 race.

"It succeeded in turning all eyes in the world to Bahrain thanks to the remarkable preparations and organisation," HRH the Prime Minister said, crediting the achievement to the Crown Prince.

They described government-owned corporations as key pillars of the national economy, hence the need to continue supporting them for the country to thrive.

[Espresso]

BP is right, every six months MP's discuss the same issue and then the Shura council decline the motion on Econmic grounds. I think if they banned the sale and consumption of Alcohol here it would have a devastating effect on trying to lure leading organisations to the region.

Personally It wouldn't alter my own needs but I know many an expat who would leave instantly which would have a bearing on the already quite empty consumer outlets here.

Luckily the Shura Council is made up of Business minded people who understand that an alcohol ban would be economic suicide.

[gulfexpress]

Economic suicide is definitely one way to describe it. Forget luring leading organizations, the plethora of saudis and expats in the eastern province, who pour in daily would seize to turn up (and everyone knows they're Bahrain's gravy train).

I've heard an urban legend that at one time Bahrain did implement a ban on alcohol, but it only lasted for two weeks, because retailers, hotels, resteraunts and every other service provider saw an unimaginable decline in sales. and the country's economy witnessed a staggering decline.

I could totally imagine the ministerial cabinet meeting after that law passed, sitting there in deathly silence with cricket sounds in the back, thinking "F******K this!.....we want things the way they were! discard that law!"

[Adel]

Businessmen's investment fears allayed
Posted on » Monday, March 29, 2010

MANAMA: Traders and businessmen yesterday voiced deep concerns over the fate of their investments - but received royal reassurance.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander received them at Riffa Palace and allayed their concerns.

"We live in the Arabian Gulf and in a world where competitiveness and openness are predominant", he said.

All countries in the world are now vying to attract foreign investments and offer all incentives and facilities to preserve them", he pointed out.

Bahrain, he said, depends on the private sector as a key partner more than any other country in the region.

He also stressed the need to ensure more achievements for the country and citizens as well.

HRH Prince Salman urged dialogue, constructive exchange of ideas, stressing the vital importance of moderation for Bahrain's interests to be served.

While stressing Bahrain's pride in its heritage, traditions and values, he stressed the need to protect national economic achievements.

He cited the three pillars serving as a pedestal for Bahrain 2030 Economic Vision and a catalyst for creative and innovative thinking: justice, sustainability and competitiveness.

"Bahrain is built on the idea of abnegation, set its own values freely and responsibly", he said.

HRH stressed the importance role played by openness and stability in Bahrain's development and prosperity.

[B-Patriot]

I always heard Bahrain was like the only country to have 'stand-alone' bars in the gulf.. But i always thought that didn't include Dubai, or that it wasn't totally true... Or that maybe it wasn't true anymore altogether...

I was speaking to somee frends of mine that lived in Dubai.. Apparently it is.. Hahaha.. Dubai has only ONE irish pub thats considered a sorta stand-alone bar... The rest are all in hotels.. Wierd, huh.. lol...

Just thought u might like to know..

[B-Patriot]

Surprise Surprise!!

Council approves key Amendment

A BAN on Muslims drinking alcohol in Bahrain was approved by the Shura Council yesterday.

Parliament voted in favour of a complete alcohol ban in March, but the bill has been changed by Shura Councillors who say the original breached the rights of non-Muslims.

However, the amended version states that non-Muslims would only be allowed to consume alcohol in designated places and in their homes.

The amended bill must now go back to parliament for a final vote by MPs, who could approve it at their session today.

If that happens the draft law would be forwarded to His Majesty King Hamad, who could either ratify it or reject it.

Details of the proposed ban remain sketchy and if it goes ahead a government minister would be assigned to determine how it should be enforced.

Twenty-eight members of the Shura Council voted in favour of the alcohol ban on Muslims yesterday, while four voted against it and one abstained.

Penalties for Muslims caught flouting the alcohol ban include jail sentences of up to three years and fines of up to BD500, but punishments would be doubled for repeat offenders.

Shura Council foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Abdulrahman Jamsheer said at yesterday's session that non-Muslims had to be excluded from the ban, based on advice from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

"Non-Muslims, even though in a Muslim country, don't have to follow Islamic rules," he said.

"The new bill will ensure more organisation in the country considering that special designated places for non-Muslims would be allocated, rather than having alcohol served everywhere - near mosques and residential neighbourhoods.

"We have decided to give the authority to the government to decide on how best to carry out the law, which I believe would put things back on track."

However, Shura Council woman and child committee chairman Dalal Al Zayed - who later voted in favour of the law - warned it could have a negative impact.

"The law is a solution to ongoing problems related to excessive drinking and actions associated with it, but those who drink will not care about the cost of getting alcohol," he said.

"Thanks to this legislation, a black market will be created where those addicted to alcohol could buy it for more money.

"The moment they can't get their hands on it, they will either move to other addictive substances or resort to domestic violence against their family members."

Meanwhile, Shura Council services committee vice-chairman Sameera Bin Rajab - who was among those who voted against the law - argued that Bahrain was a Muslim country known for its openness.

"People have the right to choose and they know what's right and what's wrong," she said.

"Forcing anything on them is something no-one accepts."

Parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Shaikh Adel Al Ma'awada told the GDN after the vote that MPs could be inclined to vote for the amended bill.

"We have no time to argue on whose approach is right and whose approach is wrong - all we care about is banning alcohol," he said.

"If the Shura Council wants to exclude non-Muslims then I don't think that would be a problem, since our main target is banning alcohol for Muslims."

The original bill drawn up by MPs would have completely banned the import, sale, possession and production of alcohol "on land, sea and in the air".

Should MPs approve the final draft, the new bill would be included in the Penal Code and overrule the Alcohol Law, which was introduced in Bahrain in 1956, and any other law that contradicted it.

However, the use of alcohol in medicine would be allowed with the consent of the Health Minister.

[Halawala]

Ummm most of the people drinking alcohol in Bahrain are Muslims! LOL!

[LeKemono]

Originally Posted by Halawala

Ummm most of the people drinking alcohol in Bahrain are Muslims! LOL!

yeah, I agree with you

[B-Patriot]

LeKemono, just admit it.. We all know ur a big alcoholic!!

Stock up on all the booze u can get ur hands on!!!

[Adel]

I doubt the Parliament will approve the amendment, and the Shura will not agree on a blanket alcohol ban therefore no alcohol ban and no new law.

[Adel]

I know some people who may consider converting to Christianity if this law gets approved.

Loads of Saudis may convert and apply for Bahraini citizenship to escape being beheaded in Saudi

[B-Patriot]

Originally Posted by Adel

I doubt the Parliament will approve the amendment, and the Shura will not agree on a blanket alcohol ban therefore no alcohol ban and no new law.

adel they've approved it... now its up to the mp's to approve the ammended proposal, which already they say theyre in favour of.. seeing its more 'strict' than the status quo...

We have to see how the gov't will choose to enforce it.. probably in a very limited way!

[Adel]

The MP's have to approve the amendment first, which will probably not happen because they want a total ban, they don't want to leave a loop hole for the government. If they don't the Shoora will not accept a total ban. If they do approve it then it's still ok cos the government chooses the places to allow alcohol which means it can do whatever it wants with the backing of the MP's cos they approved the amendment plus I guarantee you the Muslim drinking ban will not be enforced and nobody will be prosecuted under the new law as is with some laws that are not enforced. No way will police raid hotels, restaurants, bars or private homes to check drinkers passports to see if they are Muslims or not. Hell may freeze before that happens in Bahrain.

[B-Patriot]

Yeah.. I'm considering changing my name to like Christian Smith.. LoL.. Passports don't identify a person's religion.. hehe..

[ProudArabian]

Since when do people learn? if you ban something, people will do it behind covers. Look at saudis for example, so many of them drink and do so many other haram things.

I think the only thing muslim countries should do is not promote haram things like alcohol, we cannot control people, people will always find ways to do haram things.

[ProudArabian]

Originally Posted by Adel

I know some people who may consider converting to Christianity if this law gets approved.

Loads of Saudis may convert and apply for Bahraini citizenship to escape being beheaded in Saudi

thats the irony, people might and its not funny at all.