Hefty fines for putting up unauthorised wall adverts dh2,000
ras al khaimah — One may think it is cheaper, easier, and more convenient to stick a paper advertisement on a wall in the street or simply place one at the door of a house, but such illegal practice shall not be tolerated here anymore, warned a senior official from the department of economic development in Ras Al Khaimah.
Hefty fines starting from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 shall be slapped against any unlicensed posters that might advertise accommodation or services such as tuition.
In case of repetition, a more stringent penalty shall be imposed on violators, and their companies shall even face closure, the official said.
The department has received so many complaints from the public about posters placed in front of their homes, advertising cleaning and insecticides services, bed spaces, housemaids, tuition, or car-lift services.
Ahmed Ali Al Balochi, manager of control and consumer protection section with the department, said his section, to better control this activity, has adopted a number of stringent measures. is the first-time fine for firms which illegally distribute
advertisements The accumulated advertisements, not only spoil the image of the place and entire city, but also give an indication that nobody is present in the accommodation or the vehicle is unattended, he added. “This will surely attract thieves,” Al Balochi said.
All the advertising companies have been warned against such anti-environment and unlicensed adverts. “Many of these companies recruit illegals to distribute these posters.”
Al Balochi said the department has given a special number on social media which consumers and residents can use to whatsapp the pictures of these adverts placed near their houses, vicinity or vehicles to take legal action as due.
“The erring company will be fined Dh2,000 for the first time, up to Dh10,000 in case of repetition, as well as face closure and cancellation of the trade license if caught the third time,” Al Balochi said.
Companies fined
Official records show that the department imposed hefty fines on five companies involved in this illegal practice. “However, it will take some time for all the companies here to comply with these rules,” Al Balochi said, noting that all the posters found have been removed.”
Ahmed Jameel, Syrian, said he is fed up of the paper adverts he finds in front of his house every day. “They have not spared my car as well,” he said. “On top of these are the massage centres which place their indecent cards on my vehicle at night.”
Safar K, an Uzbek, said he was on a short leave to his homecountry. “When I came back, I found hundreds of adverts slipped under my door.” It is so worrying, he added. “I have asked the watchman to remove any such posters/ ads in case I am out, as thieves would know that I am not at home.”
On the other hand, Sari S., said mostly resort to this cheap adverts to find some tenants to share the flat he rents against Dh20,000 a year. “It is cheaper, faster, and easier to place or stick an advert than going to the paper to buy one.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com