Leaders in the hospitality industry say the governments proposed ban on alcohol would cause severe job losses.  The government proposal would ban the sale of alchohol at hotels, restaurants, clubs, and off-licenses, and was unanimously approved by MP’s on Tuesday.  Next the Cabinet considers the proposal and they have the power to reject it.

Managing Director for the Bahrain Institute of Hospitality Management said if the ban is approved it would decimate the hospitality industry. Qutob Dadabhai said many jobs will be lost because the sale of alcohol “has a knock on affect on food and retailing in the country.”  Nearly 25% of the country’s working population is employed in the hospitality sector, and many are Bahrainis.