UAE | General

Sharjah puts an end to serve-in-car habit

Customers will no longer have the privilege of restaurants serving them in their cars as Sharjah Municipality has put an end to the practise.

  • By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:01 November 12, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Many shops and restaurants in Sharjah serve their customers in their cars, a practise that has since been outlawed by the emirate's municipality.
  • Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News

Sharjah: Customers will no longer have the privilege of restaurants serving them in their cars as Sharjah Municipality has put an end to the practise.

"The decision was made in order to stop customers from blocking the roads, who wait for their food to be delivered to their cars," said Khalid Al Suwaidi, head of market control section at Sharjah Municipality.

"Customers should either find a parking space or take the option of having their food delivered to their home," he added.

Sharjah Municipality recently banned shops and restaurants from serving customers in cars parked on the roads.

"Circulars have been distributed to cafeterias, restaurants, groceries and laundries about the new rule," said Al Suwaidi. He pointed out inspectors are currently informing outlets about the new rule, who are obliged to notify their customers about the changes.

Competition

It has been common for restaurants, groceries and small roadside cafeterias to serve motorists, a habit that puts them ahead of their business competitors.

"The parking problem is the main reason why people do not park their cars, and they do not want to drive around for 45 minutes just to buy a sandwich," said a cashier working at Pak Gazi, which is located at Al Rolla.

"We have been serving people in their cars for a very long time, and this new rule will be bad for business. Customers, especially the women, do not like getting out of the car because the restaurant is usually crowded with men," said an employee at Karachi Darbar.

Outlets found violating the rule will be issued with warnings in addition to a maximum penalty of Dh1,000.

If outlets continue to flout the rules over a long period of time, they will be closed down.

Do you prefer ordering food from your car? Why? Why do you think the practice is so popular? Should other emirates follow suit? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.


Your comments


It is a good thing that authorities notice these kinds of practices and ban them. It is irritating how some drivers stop the car carelessly on the road and create so much traffic behind them, just to order food.
Abdul Gafoor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 09:46

This is a very commendable move by Sharjah authorities. I think the same law should be implemented in all the emirates.
Iz Al Deen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 09:40

Though its not truely a problem-solver as it will only make a difference in some crowded areas, it is a good move. I think that a better solution would be to have more parking spaces around these places.
Abbas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 09:29

I think serve-in-car is harmless and should be continued. Motorists who block the road when ordering food should be fined though.
Sajid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 09:06

Its a great move for Sharjah and I hope Dubai can follow.
Sunny
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 09:06

I do not see a point in such a decision. How about they heavily fine drivers who create these traffic jams instead?
Haneef Puttur
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 09:01

I fully support the decision. I used to live in Sharjah and observed that practice frequently. Not only it causes traffic problems, but also using the horns of the cars persistently comes along with the costumers in the cars, causing a very annoying and uncomfortable noisy atmosphere.
Hussain Shafeghati
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 08:53

This is very good move and the public will welcome it because they will be relieved from the frustration that the motorists cause when waiting in the centre of the roads for their order to be delivered to their car. I have so many times avoided an accident when driving in such areas like busy roads .
Sadia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 08:44

This is a very good move by Sharjah authorities. Next to my building there is a very small cafeteria and they are serve tea to the customers in the car. This result to a lot of traffic problems in that area. The new decission of Sharjah authorities will resolve such troubles.
Gopakumar
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 08:37

I order food and tea from my car but i never block the road. I always find parking or come back to collect the things I ordered.
Zubair
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 08:35

Very good move. I suugest that the Dubai authorites should do the same as quick as possible.
Praseethkumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 08:22

I believe that as long as you are not adding to the traffic or violating traffic rules,it is ok to order from your car
Nishitha Faizal
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 08:00

These rules are a good sign and shows that Sharjah authorities pay a lot of attention to the health and safety of people.
Tanveer Zaidi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 07:42

This is a great rule. I hope other emirates follow this. It is frustrating to see cars stopped in the middle of the roads.
Erica
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 07:39

This must be applicable to other emirates as well.
Thomas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 07:26

I support this decision. In Sharjah this is the main cause of traffic.
Rosh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 06:22

I hope everyone would follow this rule.
Kaiser
Mississauga,Canada
Posted: November 12, 2008, 05:47

I really hope this rule would be applied in Abu Dhabi. The parking around my flat is terrible because of this issue.
Tim
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 05:23

I lived in the UAE for 33 years and saw this practice often. At first I thought it was rude to beep the horn and have someone running out to serve you, but if the cafe's are happy to do this and its not causing any problem with the traffic as stated then it should be allowed.
Richard Stallard
Alcaucin,Spain
Posted: November 12, 2008, 04:04

I wish this rule was applied in Dubai.
Raj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 12, 2008, 02:18

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