Citizen pays heavy fine for barbecuing in park

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 4: The Environmental Police registered a number of violations committed by a citizen who barbecued in Salmiya Garden recently, reports Al-Rai daily.

This is in implementation of the decision of Kuwait Municipality Director Eng Saud Al-Dabbous on allocating four hours a day for barbecuing in locations managed by the Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) as follows: behind Megana Restaurant, behind Burger King and Pizza Hut restaurants, behind Villa Fayrouz Restaurant, Egaila Beach and Khiran Park (for members only); that is, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm from Nov 1 to March 31 each year.

Security sources told the daily that “the Environmental Police inspected a number of public places, including Salmiya Garden, to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations. They issued a citation to a citizen who was barbecuing in an unauthorized location. Unfortunately, some people do not know the rules and regulations on barbecuing and the resulting penalties.”

Sources added two other citations were issued against the citizen -- one for barbecuing on the ground, and the second for cutting cosmetic plants inside the garden.

The fines for these violations is KD500 and KD700 respectively after reconciliation.

Sources warned that strict and deterrent instructions have been issued to be applied on anyone who does not abide by the Environmental Law; as many pictures have been taken of some citizens and expatriates throwing waste including those emitting unpleasant odors, cause diseases and affect the aesthetic view of public places, especially the parks and gardens. Sources said these people will be summoned and citations will be issued against them based on the recordings of surveillance cameras installed in public places.