There are an estimated 70 illegal catering establishments operating across the island, including a number that are disguised as homes and others which were previously used as shops and even garages, Times of Malta has learnt.

A Malta Tourism Authority spokesman said the estimated figure was based on reports and investigations carried out over the past few months.

The illegal catering establishments were cast into the national spotlight after restaurateurs complained they were being driven out of business by unlicensed operators last summer.

MTA chairman Gavin Gulia said he was looking into possible new legislation to monitor the irregular restaurants.  

“Since these are all unlicensed, the MTA is not tasked with regulating them. The MTA is currently in the process of proposing a way forward. This could possibly lead to a change in legislation,” he said.

More in timesofmalta.com Premium http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140311/local/Up-to-70-illegal-restaurants-on-island.510128

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