The initiative taken by various entities in Valletta to allow catering outlets in Merchants Street to place tables and chairs in the central part of the street has been welcomed by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

The initiative, it said in a statement, would contribute to inject more ‘life’ into Valletta.

It urged Mepa to reconsider allowing these restaurants to use umbrellas for shelter.

The country had already witnessed the success achieved through such initiatives in other historical areas such as the Valletta and Vittoriosa waterfront projects, which have become hubs both for locals and visitors. It is a fact that people attract people and such initiatives were critical to bringing life to much valued historical places.

All initiatives should always respect, value and protect the history and heritage of the surroundings, it said.

The MHRA said it has been in discussions with the government to establish a clear set of guidelines to ensure a level playing field for all operators, to ensure the safety of patrons when making use of encroachments and to allow adequate passageway for pedestrians and other businesses.

Encroachment areas must be well defined for ease of enforcement and there must be uniformity and consistency in design and quality of street furniture for safety and aesthetic considerations of the area, particularly given the sensitivity of historical areas that have a wealth of cultural and historical heritage that must be preserved at all cost.

While the MHRA understood Mepa’s concern regarding the issue of umbrellas in Merchants Street, the association stressed that Malta’s climate should also be taken into account as it was evident that in summer people would not be able to make use of tables and chairs without any protection from the hot summer sun.

Umbrellas were allowed even in major cities renowned for their cultural and historical heritage, such as Vienna, Madrid, Lisbon and Paris, it said.

The MHRA has on the Mepa board to reconsider this issue adding that it was in favour of the principle that Mepa should impose specific criteria as to the shape, material, colour and uniformity of umbrellas, to ensure that such an initiative would blend well with the historical environment of Valletta.

“But umbrellas should be allowed”, the MHRA stressed.

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