The Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture in Bahrain, Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, has introduced a new decree that outlines detailed requirements, standards, and procedures for street advertisements. The main objective of this decree is to enhance safety and ensure compliance with engineering regulations. The amendments introduced in this decree aim to strengthen safety requirements for advertisements affixed to the ground, walls, and surfaces. The new technical requirements are designed to ensure stability and adherence to public safety standards.
One of the key requirements of the new decision is the mandatory engineering certificate that verifies the advertisement structure’s ability to withstand wind forces throughout its duration. In addition, advertisers are now required to have a comprehensive liability insurance policy that covers damages caused by the advertisement, valid for the entire duration of the advertisement. The decree also mandates a minimum 10-meter setback from the road edge to the advertisement. This distance may be reduced based on factors such as the type, size, and nature of the advertisement, and the land on which it is located, subject to approval from the relevant municipality or the Capital Municipality.
Furthermore, the decision specifies that advertisements and their supports must not interfere with or affect utility installations or rescue equipment. License applicants are required to commit to not leaving the advertisement empty of content for the duration specified by the competent municipality. The Capital Municipality and other municipalities are empowered to remove any advertisement that poses a threat to life or property, with the violators bearing the costs of removal. Maximum advertisement heights are also specified based on location and type, with supports and structures required to be made of non-flammable materials.
The issuance of licenses for street advertisements is subject to the payment of prescribed fees and is valid for a maximum of one year, with the option for renewal fifteen days before expiry. Advertisements must be removed within one month of the license expiry, or else the municipality will remove them at the advertiser’s expense, without any compensation for damages incurred. For unlicensed or non-compliant advertisements, the municipality has the authority to take precautionary measures to prevent potential damage, including license revocation and removal at the violator’s expense, with removal costs possibly deducted from a security deposit.
Overall, the new decree represents a significant tightening of regulations for street advertising in Bahrain, with a clear emphasis on prioritizing public safety and visual order. The detailed requirements, standards, and procedures outlined in the decree aim to ensure that street advertisements adhere to strict technical requirements and safety standards. Advertisers must adhere to the new regulations regarding engineering certificates, liability insurance, setback distances, and the materials used for supports and structures. Failure to comply with the new regulations may result in the removal of advertisements at the violator’s expense, highlighting the importance of adhering to the updated rules and regulations governing street advertisements in Bahrain.
