Gozo is latest target in street furniture enforcement drive

Enforcement action was taken against non-compliant bars and restaurants in Marsalforn on Monday night and in Xlendi yesterday evening when the authorities intervened and physically removed illegal street furniture from public areas, The Times learnt.

The action was taken 15 days after the establishments in the Gozitan touristic hub were served with a formal notice warning them to comply with their encroachment permits and remove any excess street furniture from the way.

"The government wants to pass on a clear message that a permit for encroachment is to be adhered to. Abuses (of the permits) cause inconveniences to the public. We want to leave the entrepreneur space to work but the government will not tolerate abuse," director general-designate of the Government Property Division, Paul Miruzzi, said when contacted.

The action in Marsalforn - by officials from the Malta Tourism Authority, the Lands Department and police officers - forms part of an enforcement plan put in action in various tourist areas to ensure that public areas, such as pavements and squares, are left clear of any encumbrance.

A few weeks ago similar enforcement action was taken at establishments along the Strand and Tignè seafront in Sliema.

E-mails sent to The Times and comments posted on timesofmalta.com suggested that, while some people supported the authorities' actions, others could not understand why the action was being taken in the evening.

One man noted that the action angered diners adding: "...one has to ask why they chose an evening in the middle of the week in the middle of the tourist season to carry out this work".

In a similar vein, a Gozitan woman commented: "This is ridiculous. I felt ashamed to be Gozitan after this night in Marsalforn. A dozen police officers collecting plants that are an investment by owners of restaurants to make a beautiful ambience with tourists watching the show... Government decides to invade Marsalforn in the two months we work most..."

Supporting the authorities a man wrote: "Well done! Hope that all illegalities in this island will be rectified" and another added: "Congratulations to all the officials from the Tourism Authority, from the Lands Department and all the police officers involved in these operations. And I am sorry but diners were angered only because the owners did not comply".

Asked why the authorities were taking action in the evenings, Mr Miruzzi explained that that was the time when all the establishments, such as bars and restaurants, would be open in summer.