Recession is defined by economists as a decline in GDP for two or more consecutive quarters. However, if you shop at Chef's Choice in Latmija Road, Żabbar, they are clearly oblivious of the above and feel they can pick and choose the business they will or won't transact.

On presentation of an HSBC Quikcash card to pay for €19.45 of groceries, we are told: "We do not accept payment by credit card under €20."

In the first place the above card is a "debit" card and amounts are debited directly to the current account.

In the second, it is legal tender and a refusal to accept it as payment is dubious in terms of the law, and HSBC, which has completed a contract both with the shop and its customers, should clarify if such action is in breach of it.

At the same time, if anyone connected with Chef's Choice can supply any justification for such economic madness I would be pleased to see it.

If the charges imposed on them by HSBC are so punitive as to justify such action, then they should be publicised.

To make matters worse, the new Marsascala bypass has been under construction past this site for some time and access and parking has not always been easy.

We have managed to do our shopping here for almost three years now and feel strongly enough to enter into correspondence with The Times to advertise the fact that we wonder why!

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