Proposals aimed to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency in the licencing of businesses were presented this morning by Small Business Minister Jason Azzopardi.

The proposal, which are open to a consultation process for six weeks, intend to simplify the licencing process through, for example, notifications instead of applications for businesses which did not involve public, health or environment considerations.

Such notification would be accompanied by the licence fee to facilitate payment.

The amendments propose the removal of the obligation to present certain documentation with the application.

Other proposals are for a reduction in fees and for the annual licence payment to only be obligatory until the business is active. The trade director would be able to cancel licences that were unpaid for four consecutive years.

The removal of the licence transfer and reactivation possibility is also being proposed since there are now no restrictions on the issuing of licences.

Dr Azzopardi said that the consultation process is open until the end of May.

Trade director Godwin Warr said that the 18,000 registered businesses would be receiving the new proposals in the coming weeks.

Suggestions may be sent to commerce@gov.mt or Business Care Unit, Trade Department, Lascaris, Valletta, VLT2000.

Further information can be obtained on 2123 2819 Mondays to Fridays from 1.30 to 3.30 p.m.