*Closure due to non-compliance with MoCI circulars regarding Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures as well as failure to meet general and special requirements

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has closed a number of retail outlets across the country, including a women’s accessories store in Al Markhiya, a car wash on Salwa Road and a cafe in Al Duhail, for non-compliance with the ministry's circulars regarding precautionary and preventive measures to confront Covid-19 as well as the failure to meet general and special requirements.

In a statement on Monday, the MoCI said these measures come as part of its "keen efforts to monitor and regulate markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and to monitor the degree of compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial activities, as well as following up on compliance with its circulars regarding precautionary and preventive measures concerning the coronavirus".

The ministry stressed that it would neither tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No 5 of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors, nor would it allow violating the circulars regarding precautionary and preventive measures.

The ministry has assured that it intends to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices. Any party who violates laws and ministerial decisions will be referred to competent authorities, who will take appropriate measures against the violators to protect consumer rights.

The MoCI has urged all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions related to registration and commercial licensing, or preventive and precautionary measures, through the call centre: 16001 or the ministry's social media accounts - Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, and Instagram: MOCIQATAR