As controversy rages over allegations that a veiled woman was barred from a trendy restaurant, an expatriate couple claimed to have been sent packing from a major mall for dressing too casually.
The husband and wife say they were wearing T-shirts and shorts and were asked to leave by security guards.
“They explained that we were dressed inappropriately and did not conform to the new dress code,” claimed the couple who allege the rules had been changed following complaints from tourists to the kingdom and neither had faced issues when shopping at the destination in the past.
“After asking a few questions, it seems that certain visitors complained that their boyfriends, girlfriends, wives and husbands were attracted to those wearing such clothing and could not focus. Yes… focus,” one of them said.
“Now, I fully appreciate and respect a dress code rule. These can be found in restaurants, professional events, companies and even countries where there may be a sensitivity to certain types of dress or coverage. Completely appropriate.
“But this is a retail centre located in Bahrain, an open, progressive and culturally-aware country – a retail centre that is open to all nationalities and faiths, providing a safe and enjoyable shopping experience and let’s be honest, providing good deals on a wide range of goods.
“There are deeper issues related to this and I hope sense will prevail and Bahrain remains true to itself.”
The GDN put the allegations to the mall concerned and its management had not commented by the time the newspaper went to press. However, its customer relations department has reached out to the complainants and contact details have been passed on to the couple.
Meanwhile, the restaurant in Adliya remains closed by the authorities and its manager suspended as investigations continue.
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