Neighbours of two Balluta establishments are incensed that police have failed to stop what they claim are offences, despite scores of reports filed over the last three years.

Residents said they could not understand why no action had been taken to silence the music coming from The Villa restaurant and U Bistrot.

Despite repeated reports to the police and other authorities, it seems nobody was capable of enforcing laws and stopping the abuse, former Freeport chairman Marin Hili told The Times.

“I have personally filed dozens of reports with the police, my lawyers have sent many letters and e-mails and we have asked all other authorities, including the planning and tourism authorities, to take the necessary action and make the owners of the restaurant respect their permits and the laws of this country,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it seems this was all in vain as the authorities are failing miserably to enforce the laws and do their job,” Mr Hili said, adding that loud music is continuously played.

According to Mepa, the premises in the heart of Balluta Bay has a permit to be used as a catering establishment and hold weddings, but it does not have a licence to play amplified music. The owner had applied for such a licence but it was turned down.

Mepa had also declared that certain structures on the restaurants’ terrace were illegal and issued an enforcement order against the owners to remove them. However, an appeal was filed and the structures are still in place.

While the owners of the commercial establishment admitted they might be causing some inconvenience, they said it was not intentional and would be ready to settle the issue.

Mario Hammet – the operator of The Villa – claimed it was only Mr Hili who had raised any complaints.

He added that he was surprised that the neighbour never tried to settle the issue directly with them. “We are only interested in running a business professionally,” he insisted.

Mr Hammet admitted he did not have a licence to play loud music but said that whenever the police instructed him to lower the music at his premises he always complied.

The police failed to answer a series of questions sent two months ago by The Times, followed up by various reminders.

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