Bus drivers will have to wrestle for seating space at one of their favourite snack bars after Land Department officials yesterday confiscated the outdoor furniture from Triton Kiosk, at City Gate, Valletta, where most of them usually congregate in between trips.

The bus drivers complained vociferously but the police and the Land Department officials were determined. The Triton Kiosk, in fact, was not the only one targeted as most kiosks surrounding the bus terminus at City-Gate were found to be encroaching on public land without the necessary permits.

Another kiosk subjected to scrutiny was the Diana Snack Bar, which had tables, chairs, ice-cream freezers, umbrellas and plants removed.

Owner Anthony Fenech complained that he had received no official warning or letter of termination for his encroachment permit. He showed his permit to the officials, claiming that he spent more than €2,500 over the past months to have all his paperwork in order. However, the officials insisted on their stand, producing a copy of the termination letter sent to Mr Fenech, dated October 3, which he insisted he had not received.

Tempers flared when the officials approached Marken Kiosk. The owner, who would not give his name to the press, insisted that it was his right to have his mobile freezer outside his kiosk. The freezer was left in place but the Land Department officials said that his case, along with that of a few others whose canopies and other structures were objectionable, still had to be discussed and reviewed.