Little by little, the pavements of the Sliema seafront are being taken over by hawkers who are selling all types of wares (food, drinks, sunglasses, earrings, belts, etc).

Some are now using generators and, as a result, emitting fumes and noise.

Captain Morgan kiosks and its triangular publicity boards have sprouted all over Tignè Seafront and other places.

There seems to be very little control as to who is allowed to open a kiosk or to publicise his/her wares on the pavements.

If things carry on like this, the Sliema seafront will become a disorganised, uncovered bazaar.

I was informed by Anthony Chircop, the mayor of Sliema, that the local council has been relentless in its efforts to curtail this rampant abuse.

One problem faced by the council is that the authorities on whom it relies, namely those responsible for law enforcement, are themselves faced with the problem of identifying the exact government entity issuing the respective operative licence.