Swoop on Sliema pavement cafés (1)

So finally the authorities have moved in and made restaurant and café owners remove any tables and chairs and other street furniture which were positioned on pavements thus obstructing the free passage of pedestrians.

Some owners, interviewed on a couple of the television stations, had the cheek to justify their action of using pavement space in breach of their permits and condemn the authorities for taking action now when the number of their patrons increases because of the summer months. One even said he would have to lay off staff. Do they therefore believe they can break the law because it is summer?

They should have thanked the authorities for having dragged their feet so long and allowed them, or should I say condoned their action to take up pavement space which they were not entitled to. None of the owners showed any concern for pedestrians, young and old, who were impeded for months from using public pavements.

One hopes that the authorities' actions will include all areas of Malta and Gozo including those establishments who take up beach space with various craft for hire, deckchairs and umbrellas among other things.