The Sliema council is looking into whether powdered paint used during an event at a restaurant at Fond Għadir caused any long-term damage following reports that puddles of the paint had washed into the sea.

The event was held last week at Surfside, and partygoers were supplied with a bag of holi powder, which was then smeared all over the venue and those attending. The colourful powder has been used in India for decades but has more recently become popular all over the world.

When contacted, the restaurant owner said that the powder contained only natural ingredients and could not have caused any damage. He insisted the paint met all necessary EU requirements.

After receiving reports about the coloured water reaching the sea, the council initiated an investigation to verify the owner’s claims

While the event was held inside the establishment, the powder moved to the rocks when the terrace was being washed, eventually ending up in the sea.

Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop told this newspaper that while the event was held inside a private establishment, after receiving reports about the coloured water reaching the sea, the council initiated an investigation to verify the owner’s claims.

The mayor said the council would forward the complaints to the Cleansing Directorate to establish whether the owner’s claims that there would be no long-term damage were true.

According to the restaurant owner, he would not be holding similar events any time soon, as it was too much of a hassle to clean up the area, adding that he was not aware the powder would be so messy.

He reiterated that despite this, the powder did not in any way cause any damage and was completely safe.