MUSCAT: Can you be jailed for consuming food during the daytime of Ramadan in a public place? The Omani Penal Code says yes.
According to Article 277 of Omani Penal Code, whoever flagrantly consumes food, drink, or other substances that break fasting, in the daytime in Ramadan in a public place, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period no less than 10 days and not exceeding three months.
Visitors and non-muslims should bear in mind that non-Muslim guests can enjoy meals in their hotels but away from the view of local people. But it may be difficult to find restaurants open during the day.
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Apart from young children below the age of 9, anybody caught drinking or eating before Iftar will be arrested under the Sultanate’s penal code.
Article 49 of the Penal Code defines criminal liability age that starts from the age of nine, top lawyers were quoted in Times of Oman.
“A punishment of imprisonment for a period not less than 10 days and not exceeding three months for whoever is caught eating, drinking or breaking the fast during the fasting hours in public places in the Sultanate,” Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Chairman of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm told the daily.
Eating inside the car is also prohibited and depends on how the car is parked as it could be visible from outside, the report said.
