A new ‘mobile’ kiosk in Xemxija that has taken over the area in front of the Olympic Grove by setting up tables and chairs in a parking lot has been given until today to clear them, the planning authority has confirmed. Within the permitted period of operation, a mobile kiosk cannot place furniture in the area and should not even be carrying advertisements without a permit.

Sumo Diner is not intended to be permanent and, therefore, does not require a Mepa permit as long as it operates for no more than 30 days in the same spot.

The owner can apply for the period of operation to be extended up to a total of four months in a year. It must then be moved at least 100 metres away.

Residents have complained that owner Adam Cuschieri took over the area in front of the Olympic Grove in Xemxija Bay by placing tables and chairs and making it difficult to access parking spaces, especially during the weekends when crowds flock there.

Furthermore, the residents added, customers parking their cars on the side of the road to purchase food and drinks exacerbated traffic jams during the weekend as the kiosk was situated next to a roundabout.

When Times of Malta contacted Mr Cuschieri to ask about his permits, he insisted that he had everything in order.

“Rest assured, I have all the necessary permits,” he said.

Mepa intervened only on the issue of the table and chairs as permits for mobile kiosks are not part of its remit.

The planning authority gave Mr Cuschieri until today to remove the furniture.

A kiosk requires a trading licence and Mr Cuschieri said he had the necessary licences in hand. It also has to be registered with Transport Malta but the regulator only checks if a large vehicle parked in such location would pose a safety hazard.

The St Paul’s Bay local council only said it had given a ‘no objection’ response on any permits required.