The parliamentary Social Affairs Committee has suggested that Gentlemen's Clubs in Paceville should be regulated to ensure that no laws are broken.

In a report published for public consultation, the committee says that signage outside the clubs should consist of words only and should not include graphics which may be offensive for passers by.

The committee last month held a series of meetings with people connected to Paceville and is discussing ways to improve law and order in the locality.

PROPOSALS

The report proposes that the day-to-day management of Paceville should be in the hands of an executive committee headed by the Mayor of St Julians and including stakeholders from the private and public sector.

It calls for incentives for people to use public transport to travel to Paceville and there should be reserved parking for residents.

It also calls for closer collaboration between the police and the entertainment sector, including bouncers.

The report proposes a revision of penalties when public order laws are broken and the police should be given greater resources to maintain order. More CCTV cameras should be installed to help in law enforcement.

The report calls for better organisation in refuse collection.

With regard to foreign students, the report says the students need to be given written instructions on what is unacceptable and those responsible for the schools should ensure that students behave in the appropriate manner.

Gentlemen's clubs should be regulated to ensure that there is no illegality. Signage outside the clubs should consist of words only and should not include offensive graphics.

Entertainment spots should be regularly checked by the authorities to ensure that emergency exists are easily available.

The committee insists that road works should ensure that all parts of Paceville are accessible for people with disabilities.

The committee also called for a public convenience in Paceville.

PRIVATE SECTOR SUGGESTIONS

Other suggestions, made by the private sector, included calls for the opening of a clinic and the deployment of an ambulance in Paceville, contingency planning by the police in case of a major emergency, the setting up of a police station, updating of public order laws, the use of decibel meters to check sound levels in places or entertainment, and relocation of the taxi stand.

The report can be viewed by clicking the pdf link below.

Comments can be submitted to the committee up to March 2 on  socialaffairs@parlament.mt or by traditional mail to The Secretary, Social Affairs Committee, the Palace, Valletta.