A man who offers water sports facilities at Gozo’s picturesque Ramla l-Ħamra beach has turned to the court for protection after a competitor who he claims is unlicensed has been taking his business for more than two years.

Paul Cini, from Nadur, filed an injunction in Gozo’s First Hall of the Civil Court against Żebbuġ resident Shaun Debrincat for stealing his business.

Magistrate Paul Coppini temporarily upheld the injunction.

A water sports facility is allegedly operating illegally.

Mr Cini told the court that he has been offering water sports facilities for several years and was in possession of a number of permits to be able to operate the business. Among others, he had a Land Department permit and an encroachment permit to set up a “normal-sized umbrella and deckchair” from where he could offer the hiring of water sports activities.

He claimed that Mr Debrincat “illegally and abusively” set up a facility just metres away from him and began offering similar services, including banana water rides and other joy rides. Mr Cini said the rides were being offered in an area delineated by the authorities as having been assigned to him.

Although the Planning Authority issued an enforcement notice, this was not effective

Through his lawyer, Maxilene Pace, Mr Cini told the court that Mr Debrincat had no encroachment permits and neither did he have any official authorisation.

He said he had informed the authorities, including the police and the Planning Authority, but two years later the illegality persisted. He said that although the Planning Authority issued an enforcement notice, this was not effective enough to deter Mr Debrincat and, as a result, he was suffering irreparable losses, including loss of business.

Lands enforcement officers had also ordered him to desist from operating but he ignored their orders, Mr Cini said, adding that the police and Transport Malta were aware of the situation.

The injunction has been temporarily upheld until the court hears submissions about the merits of the case anddecides accordingly.