Territorial disputes between buskers seeking to secure the best spots in Valletta have prompted the government to stop issuing new licences for now, while a review of the laws regulating the activity is under way.
While the term busker is normally defined as someone playing music or performing for money in a public place, the law widens it to include the selling of works of art made on site.
The police have been called to intervene in the early hours
Sources told Times of Malta that in recent months the police have been called to intervene in the early hours of the morning in front of the law courts in Valletta, as tempers flared between ‘buskers’ seeking to get a foothold in the best location of the capital.
In some instances, the few available spaces were already taken up by 4am.
An Economy Ministry spokesman confirmed that complaints from both the public and buskers had been received about the “restricted space” available in this particular location. Replying to questions sent by this newspaper, the spokesman said that in recent years the number of buskers had increased, creating “uncertainties” as to where they could operate from.
As a first step it was deemed prudent to address the situation by stopping any further licences from being issued.
“A decision has also been taken to commence a process to review the current laws regulating buskers and the manner in which licences for buskers are issued.
“Until such review is carried out and the legislation, as well as the licence procedures, is amended, the issuing of new licences will remain suspended,” he said.
Figures given by the Economy Ministry show there are currently 186 officially licensed buskers of whom less than a quarter (46) are Maltese.
The decision to suspend new licences was communicated last month in the Government Gazette, under the Trading Licences Regulations.
Though the law clearly states that a busker can only sell a work of art which is produced on site, there have been complaints that a number of them breach this condition of their licence by selling ready-made wares.
The regulations prohibit such activity from taking place within five metres from any commercial premises including kiosks or in the precincts of any hotel and shopping complex.
Busking is also banned in specific locations in the capital: Castille Square, St George’s Square, St John’s Square, the City Gate area, as well as the bus terminus including Saint James Ditch.
However, there have been a number of incidents in which buskers were observed selling various items in the City Gate area, seemingly in breach of this ban.
Licensed buskers
EU states (excluding Malta) - 119
Maltese - 46
Non-EU countries - 10
Non-EU countries married to an EU citizen - 11
Total: 186