The owner of a snack bar in Merchants Street, Valletta has been fined €1,400 and ordered to remove all street furniture placed outside his establishment within one month after a court decided that his act was "not quite in order".

The court, presided by magistrate Joseph Mifsud, observed that although the bar had obtained a right of encroachment from the Government Property Department, it had failed to obtain the necessary permit from the Malta Tourism Authority.

The court made reference to a note in the records of the case, whereby the shop owner had been informed that in spite of the concession by the Government Property Department to place tables and chairs outside his establishment, he was still "not legally allowed to place" such street furniture.

The court observed that the accused had failed to submit the necessary documents to the MTA. These included a full development permit, an approved layout plan, a food safety permit and a bank guarantee of €50 per square metre.

For this reason the court condemned the man to a fine of €1,400 and ordered him to remove all the illegal items of furniture within one month. Failure to do so could result in an additional daily fine. The accused reserved the right to appeal the court's decision.