Barbecues to be banned from Mellieha bay

Barbecues will soon be banned from Mellieha's Ghadira Bay as part of the local council's efforts to attain Blue Flag status for the beach.

Three by-laws proposed by Mellieha council aimed at making the locality cleaner and safer for tourists are nearing the end of their public consultation period, and Mellieha mayor Robert Cutajar expects government approval within the next three weeks.

One by-law will completely ban barbecues from Ghadira and Selmun bays, which have long served as popular spots. Barbecues will be permitted on 11 other beaches in the area, although anyone wishing to hold a barbecue for more than 15 people will have to obtain a permit from the council.

Mellieha was recently named a European destination of excellence and Mr Cutajar would like to build on this recognition by achieving a Blue Flag for Ghadira Bay, making it the second beach in Malta to do so after St George's Bay.

"We want to upgrade the beach so it gets the recognition it deserves. I would like many people to come and enjoy Mellieha but we need to make sure the beach is clean and safe for people to use during the day," he said.

The mayor cited numerous hazards associated with beach barbecues. He said debris including glass is left on the beach and charcoal is often buried under the sand and then found by children the next day. Charcoal bins intended for the disposal of barbecue waste are stolen regularly.

Still, the decision is expected to trigger off protests among the many who clog the two beaches practically every summer evening.

"We will upgrade the area over the next month and then we will begin to apply for the Blue Flag together with the Malta Tourism Authority," Mr Cutajar said.

To implement the by-law, the council will employ night-time enforcement officers to patrol the beaches.

The other two by-laws forbid people from living in caravans on public land in the area and prohibit overnight camping on its beaches.

Mr Cutajar said the proposed by-laws have the support of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprise - GRTU, the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin.