Ras Al Khaimah to heavily fine for illegal ad posters

Ras Al Khaimah - Hefty fines starting from Dh2,000 and up to Dh10,000 shall be slapped against any unlicensed posters

One may think it is cheaper, easier, and more convenient to stick a paper advertisement on a public wall or simply place one at the door of a house, but such illegal practice shall not be tolerated here anymore.
Hefty fines starting from Dh2,000 and up to Dh10,000 shall be slapped against any unlicensed posters that might advertise accommodation or services such as tuition.
In case of repetition, a more stringent penalty shall be imposed on violators, and their companies shall finally face closure, warned a senior official with the department of economic development here in Ras Al Khaimah.
The department has received so many complaints from the public about posters placed in front of their homes advertising cleaning and insecticides services, bed spaces, housemaids, tuition, or car-lift services. 
Ahmed Ali Al Balochi, Ahmed Ali Al Balochi, Manager of Control and Consumer Protection Section with the department, said his section, to better control this negative phenomenon, has adopted a number of stringent measures. "Distributors of unauthorised adverts shall face hefty fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000." 
The accumulated advertisements, not only spoil the image of the place and entire city, but also give an indication that such nobody is present in this or that accommodation or the vehicle is unattended, he added. "This will for sure lure thieves to chip in."

All the advertising companies have been warned against such anti-environment random and unlicensed adverts. "Many of these companies recruit illegal residents to distribute these posters messily." 
Warning, Al Balochi said the department has specified a special number on social media which consumers and residents can use to Whatsapp the pictures of these adverts in front of their houses and on their car windows to take legal action as due. 
"The erring company shall initially shell out a fie of Dh2,000 in the first time, up to Dh10,000 in case of repetition, as well as closure and revoke of the trade license in the third time." 
Official records show that the department has imposed hefty fines on five companies involved in this illegal practice. "However, it will take some time for all the companies here to comply with these rules," Al Balochi said, noting that all the posters found have been removed." 
Ahmed Jameel, Syrian, said he is fed up of the so many paper adverts he found in front of his house every day. "They have not spared my car as well," he said. "On top of these are the massage centres which place their indecent cards at night." 
Safar K, Uzbek, said he was on a short leave for a week home. "When I came back, I found hundreds of adverts inserted into my flat." It is so worrying, he added. "I have asked the watchman to remove any of these ads in case I am out, as thieves would know that I am not home." 
On the other hand, Sari S., said mostly resort to this cheap adverts to find some tenants to share the flat he rents against Dh20,000 a year. "It is cheaper, faster, and easier to place or stick an advert than going to the paper to buy one."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah