Ramadan is almost at our doorsteps and the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) has announced the rules that must be followed by the businesses wishing to set up a Ramadan Tent during the holy month.

All detached Ramadan Tents must be operated by licensed restaurants and coffee shops, or must be attached to those same venues.

A Tent's operating hours must begin with the Maghrib (sunset) prayers and stop after Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).

Ramadan Tent owners must provide enough parking spaces for their customers, in addition to providing toilet facilities and getting permission to operate from the Governor of Amman and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

GAM stressed that Ramadan Tents are not allowed to be erected on rooftops or in condensed residential areas - with the exception of hotels.

If a cafe or restaurant is planning on setting up a Ramadan Tent, then it must be at least 200 sqm away from the nearest residential area, and 500 sqm away from the nearest hospital and mosque/churche.

Serving shisha is only permitted if the venue serving it has the proper license from the Ministry of Health.

Ramadan Tent owners will need to give a cheque worth JD 1,000 as a pledge to comply with the rules and remove the Tent within a week of the expiry of its permit. In case of non-compliance, GAM will remove the Tent and demand removal fees from the owner, in addition to a 25% administrative fee, as well as taking the full value of the cheque.

Businesses interested in setting up a Ramadan Tent can apply for a license from GAM.