The Peninsula reports:

Authorities have strictly instructed retailers to stop the practice of handing out chewing gum, low-quality chocolates and such other items to customers in lieu of the change of 50 dirhams.

Retailers who violate the instructions could face a fine of up to QR5,000, warned a notice issued by the municipal authorities recently…

The retailers on the other hand used to justify their stance by citing an alleged shortage of coins in the market. The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) however has rejected the argument on several occasions.

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