A 55-year old man attempting to provide sunbed services in the Blue Flag stretch of rocky shore known as Fond Għadir, in Sliema, landed himself in hot water yesterday for operating without a permit.
After residents filed several complaints with the Sliema local council, the police went on site yesterday to warn Alfred Vella he had until Monday to obtain the necessary permit or remove the 25 sunbeds he had stacked on the shore to offer to bathers at a price.
When Times of Malta spoke to Mr Vella, he said he felt the action was unjust, especially in the context of the planning infringements in coastal areas that went unpunished.
“I am not occupying anything. I am not laying down one single stone. I am not asking for water or electricity. I’m only asking to use the area for a few months, providing a service. I know it’s not mine,” he said. His case highlights the injustice people feel when others breaking the law in more damaging ways get away with their actions and end up profiting from their disregard for rules.
Why me when others do far worse?
“I am just asking to be able to place a few plastic sunbeds – nothing permanent. Why me when others do far worse? I did try to get a permit but by the time I get it, if I do, summer will be over,” he added.
Mr Vella said he had written to the Government Property Division on April 1 but received no reply. He said he did this after first going round in circles trying to obtain a permit from the planning authority, the Malta Tourism Authority and the Trade Licensing Department.
The GPD confirmed he had to remove all sunbeds and warned that if he occupied the site again he would be served with an eviction order that would be followed by direct action at his expense.
Meanwhile, the Sliema local council said action had to be taken, otherwise there would be no control over activities on the coast, limiting public access to the beach.
Mayor Anthony Chircop said lidos were already restricting the coastline and the council would work to stop more public land from being taken up.
“If we allow this to happen anyone can take over public beaches and start charging for it. This is public property and proper permits are needed.
“The beach should be available to all at no charge,” he said.