GRTU backs Vassallo over stand on red tape

The GRTU, Association of General Retailers and Traders has expressed its solidarity with parliamentary secretary Edwin Vassallo who said in parliament on Monday he would have to take decisions on a personal basis unless the issue of bureaucracy - which was destroying small enterprises - was resolved.

The GRTU said it would be a shame if Mr Vassallo went through with his plan, which was interpreted as a threat to resign, because he had been enthusiastic about reducing bureaucracy.

Contrary to the country's obligations resulting from the European Charter for Small Enterprises, the bureaucratic burden on small enterprise was increasing, the GRTU said.

Many small businesses could not afford to waste more time and energy to keep up with the ever growing bureaucracy.

Not one day passed without the issue of new regulations and burdens. Certain government departments and public authorities, especially the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, seemed to enjoy burdening enterprises, the GRTU complained.

In a separate statement, the GRTU insisted that the issue of licences to pharmacies should be linked to geographic and demographic criteria.

It was reacting to a statement by the Consumers' Association which has called for the sector to be liberalised in the interests of consumers.

"When pharmacy licences are issued without geographic and demographic criteria, it is the community that suffers as many places remain without a pharmacy," the GRTU said.