Shura Council to Debate New Draft Law Imposing Tougher Penalties on Advertising Violations

A new draft law tightening controls on advertising and significantly increasing penalties for violations is set for debate during the Shura Council’s weekly session on Sunday. The bill, endorsed by the Public Utilities and Environment Affairs Committee, proposes major amendments to Bahrain’s 1973 Advertising Law in order to address the evolving nature of today’s advertising landscape. 

The legislation introduces tougher punishments for unlicensed advertisements, false permit applications, and obstructing inspectors, while expanding the legal definition of advertising to include modern digital and illuminated displays. It also grants the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry wider authority to regulate and oversee the rapidly growing sector.

Committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan said the proposed amendments were essential to “restore order to a sector that has evolved far beyond what the 1973 law envisioned.” He emphasised that the enhanced penalties aim to protect public safety and preserve the Kingdom’s visual environment.

Under the revised Article 16, offenders may face imprisonment and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD20,000 for violations such as:

• Advertising without a licence or in breach of licensing conditions;

• Submitting false or misleading information to obtain a permit;

• Using illegal methods to secure authorisation; and

• Obstructing municipal inspectors or withholding required documents and records.

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