Permits at Liquid disco

I am most appreciative that Mepa (July 8) has taken the necessary action and issued an enforcement notice on the Liquid disco's recent development even if this was not the main thrust of my concerns as expressed in my original letter. To be honest, I am not all that fussed if the operators construct more than one "globe" on their premises (or even a sky scraper for that matter) as long as this is within established regulations and that my family's privacy and peace and quiet are respected.

I continue to hope (the eternal optimist) that the authorities responsible for granting licences and permits to entertainment establishments, including open air discos (originally the Commissioner of Police, now the Malta Tourism Authority) shall take the necessary action and amend the conditions of the licence to include that the sound of "music" and DJ's announcements are contained to acceptable levels. This is the least expected by those living in the vicinity of the disco, including my family.

My presumption that Mepa issued a development permit was based on the established norm (as it should be) that any alteration to an existing building requires a permit (including the opening of an outside window or door). I could not imagine that anyone would construct such a conspicuous structure without first having the project approved. However, it appears that I was wrong and for this I offer my sincere apologies to Mepa.

It also appears that I was misinformed when I stated that for similar permits (eg. open air discos) Mepa enforce that noise levels are contained to a minimum by the installation of modern, noise curtailing equipment. As I recall, this pre-condition was mentioned in the media during last year's controversy regarding the possible permit for a new disco in the north of the island. Obviously, I was also wrong in this regard and again offer my apologies. It must be my age which is slowly but surely creeping along.

It is not and has never been my intention to start a campaign to close down the Liquid disco, as anyway, I do not have the clout to do so.

My only intention has been to bring this injustice to the attention of all concerned, including the responsible authorities, the operator(s), the public at large, and the disco's customers. All that I am requesting, indeed demanding, is that the peace and quiet of those residing in the area should also be respected, not to mention other inconveniences which arise as a result of the disco's operation.

Again, I implore that justice is done and that the authorities concerned shall take the necessary action to achieve this objective.