SHARJAH // A ban on barbecues is now in effect at one of Sharjah's most popular beaches.
Anyone caught cooking food on Al Mamzar beach will be fined Dh500 by Sharjah Municipality inspectors and told to pack up their grills and move on.
However, the move came as an unwelcome surprise to some residents looking to enjoy the cool weather only to be fined.
"It was my first time I learned that barbecuing is banned and also got the fine," said Baseem, who was visiting the beauty spot on Sunday.
"Authorities could be kind enough to give us at least one warning before issuing the fine."
Yousef Abdullah, director of the solid waste section at the municipality, said the ban was in place because cooking food outdoors violated environmental safety as people often would not clear away their rubbish once they were done.
The ban extends to Buhairah Corniche, with barbecuing now only allowed in the National Park near Sharjah airport and Sharjah Corniche beach on the road to Ajman.
Mr Abdullah said the municipality had put up posters on all beaches and parks that list banned activities such as barbecuing, camping and fishing, and warning of fines.
Another resident who identified himself as Khalid, complained that Al Mamzar beach was the best place to cook outdoors," he said.
"The municipality should dedicate more friendly places to help families," he said.
