On-the-spot Dh500 fine for barbecue on beach

Visitors to Mamzar Beach in Sharjah are urging the municipality not to fine them for barbecuing in prohibited areas of the beach without prior warning, according the ‘Al Ittihad’ newspaper.

Sharjah Municipality recently launched a campaign against barbecuing in prohibited areas by fining violators Dh500 which beachgoers say is high.

However, some residents of the area urged the municipality to be strict in enforcing the rules for barbecuing.

Sharjah Municipality has said the rules banning barbecuing in Al Mamzar beach, Al Majaz waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah Corniche public park on the road to Ajman will be implemented though it has not yet started imposing fines. The ban was imposed because of the waste and burning embers left behind after barbecues which may harm beachgoers, particularly children playing in the sand, it said.

Sharjah Municipality allows barbecuing in the National Park near the airport  because  it has ample space.

Yusuf Abdullah of the municipality said hikers have appreciated the move against barbecuing while those who were fined are seeking a grace period because the ban was imposed abruptly.

Basim Najah, a resident  of the Al Majaz area, said he was surprised by the barbecue ban.

Mohammed Hassan, an Al Khan area resident, said he was surprised when he was fined Dh500 for barbecuing on the beach. He sought a one-time grace period before the fine is imposed.