As part of the move, MEC has fixed a ceiling for parking fees as well as regular and VIP valet parking fees that commercial complexes and souqs could collect from their customers.
In a release issued on Saturday, the ministry stressed that shopping malls should not impose or amend fees without its approval in accordance with the nature of their activity and its requirements as well as obtaining the approval of the committee that sets the maximum rate and profit margin.
Malls and commercial complexes have been given 60 days to comply with the decree and avoid being subject to legal accountability and penalties.
Shopping malls and commercial complexes that already charge customers for parking shall refrain from collecting any additional fees without approval from the Ministry once the decree comes into effect, the release said. "All other malls and commercial complexes shall also refrain from imposing any fees on their visitors before obtaining the ministry’s approval."
The Ministry said it issued the regulation after observing several cases where members of the public were charged mandatory fees. The new rule was issued after the committee that sets a ceiling for fees and profit margins carried out a comprehensive study and consulted other relevant authorities.
The new rule exempts motorists who leave the parking area within 30 minutes after failing to find a parking spot from any fees.
Commercial organisations and shopping malls that offer valet parking services shall also be responsible for the safety of the cars as well as any damage done to the vehicles while in their possession.
Malls and markets shall also clearly display a list of parking and valet parking fees approved by the ministry at entrances and shall refrain from renting parking spots to third parties without the prior consent of the ministry.
The release issued by MEC did not either specify the fee structure or the ceiling it has set as part of the new initiative to protect consumers and improve the quality of services offered to the public.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has urged all members of the community to report any violation or irregularity through the following communication channels: - Call Center: 16001, Email: [email protected], Account of the Ministry on social networking sites - Twitter @MEC_QATAR
- Instagram MEC_QATAR; The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR
