Richard Stagno Navarra, Lija
Swoop on Sliema pavement cafés (1)
Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
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.
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Arthur Arran
Jun 17th 2008, 19:30
The small cafes and bars that used to be there are what i miss most when i revisit Malta, nowadays it seems the owners want to cater more for the yuppy types. For tourists to really appreciate Malta and it's people they should sit amongst them to eat, drink and enjoy the conversation and company. That's where the country differs from Barcelona or Paris who needs them?i've been to both places and know i prefer Malta. I visited last year with my grandchildren and the cafe furniture on the pavements was a nuisance, navigation of the childrens buggies was dangerous at times.
Charles P Cilia
Jun 17th 2008, 16:14
Please detour through Marsaskala on the way to Marsaxlokk.
Some restaurant/bar owners are not satisfied with just occupying the sidewalk but also hog the street right in front by placing oversized flower pots and barricade the area normally used for parking.
.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jun 17th 2008, 15:31
Good work-- Now while we're at it, how about the myriad of beach concessions cropping up, and the sandy beaches invaded by commercialy placed deck chairs and sun beds way before dawn?
And one other matter--- will the illegal dwellings at Armier and other locations also face the same treatment...or does the promising everything before the election mode make them exempt?
Anne Marie Kissaun
Jun 17th 2008, 15:07
I am very pleased that finally words have been put into action. Coffee Shops all over Sliema have been having a swell of a time for long enough. High time too that finally something has been done. They just took the law into their hands outright for many years. And so goes for Kiosks along the Sliema Promenade. If the law is not enforced the same situation will create itself, though, I think, the problem is already there. Only a couple of days ago, walking along Ghar-id-Dud, the upper part, towards the ex CHALET, the owner had the audacity to spread the tables to the extent that it was impossible to get past but had to literally try to wend my way through. As far as I can understand, a Kiosk is a place when one can buy a drink etc. and walk on. Therefore, this situation with Kiosks should also be looked into.
L Galea
Jun 17th 2008, 14:43
Authorities,
please visit Marsascala and take similar action.
A similar situation exists where pedestrians cannot use the pavement because of chairs and tables and other obstructions.
Not only that, but restauranteurs have the cheek to put big plant pots under the pavement to prevent cars from parking when everyone knows the enormous parking problems.
Its about time the authorities also take action in Marsascala.
J Demicoli
Jun 17th 2008, 12:33
Please don't forget to take a look - a stroll wouldn't be possible - at M'xlokk especially on Sundays.
joanna agius
Jun 17th 2008, 12:27
As a Sliema resident, I wholeheartedly support the action taken by the authorities. This was long overdue. In my opinion, the next target should be what used to be referred to as "Gabbana", on the Sliema seafront next to Richard England's "Shadows". This is one of the widest footpath on the seafront but it is choked with tables, chairs and planters!!! Action please.
J.Bonello
Jun 17th 2008, 11:39
They illegally take over public property in pursuit of their profits. But then, go use their toilets without buying something from their outlets. Try to short pay them or something of the sort and you will see their wrath.
It is about time that we stand up and be counted. Business men are not untouchables, although they act so. The layoffs rhetoric, wow scary. The SGS Thompson saga is a bit more on the agenda then the layoff of a part-time foreign waitress. And this should never be the excuse to be a bully and take over public pavements. To add insult to injury, some wise guy even suggested that to accomodate them we should widen the pavement ! Gross! Why not put gold blocks for pavements to make them happy. Worse still these same business man actually feel they did nothing wrong!!! How's that for intelligence and manners! Not even a jungle boy, I am sure would be more mannered and logical. What about the outlets putting signs out infront of them to block people from parking their cars in front of them ! How subhuman is that ?! Total anarchy ! They need to be taught a lesson!
Dunstan Crockford
Jun 17th 2008, 09:55
Hear!Hear!!! They have had it too good as you rightly wrote!!! Hopefully this exercise will be extended to Balluta and St.Julians! Bars are taking over the pavements and to add insult to injury they have very noisy patrons drinking and shouting till the early hours...when their licence clearly states that they have definite closing times!!! Also,one particular bar leaves the tables and chairs out all night...even when he eventually closes his bar...around 3am or later!!!