Council makes a noise about parties

St Paul’s Bay local council wants to establish party guidelines aimed at balancing entertainment needs against residents’ interests.

If the government issues permits, councils must abide by them even if they object

The council intends to bring together the police, planning authority and ­residents’ association as well as tourism and hotel authorities to discuss how to best organise large-scale parties and entertainment events.

Mayor Mario Salerno said residents inconvenienced by such parties often pinned the blame on the council, when in fact there was little it could do.

“Permits for such events are issued by the police and the planning authority, but many people don’t know this and turn to the council,” Mr Salerno explained.

“Residents have rights, but as things currently stand local councils are toothless in defending their interests. If the government issues permits, councils must abide by them even if they object.”

A Love Sexy party held at a popular Buġibba venue last Sunday prompted the council to act. The party irked some residents due to the littering and noise pollution caused by thousands of revellers, the mayor said.

One of the party organisers pointed out they had obtained all the necessary permits from the police and Malta Environment and Planning Authority and also had the support of the Malta Tourism Authority.

“We did everything according to the letter of the law and went through all the required red tape,” the spokesman explained.

Mr Salerno said he had no intention of stifling entertainment activities in St Paul’s Bay but insisted “we need to ensure common sense and balance is adhered to”.

The council is hoping to bring stakeholders together for a first meeting in the near future.