Five truckloads of illegally-placed deckchairs and umbrellas were removed from Armier and Little Armier Bay this morning. 

The confiscated items were found to be in breach of the terms and conditions of the applicable permits, according to the Malta Tourism Authority and the Lands Authority which carried out the joint operation. 

Prior to today’s action, the operators of establishments who manage these beach concessions were informed on previous occasions that they were not operating in accordance with the permit terms and were advised to comply. They were also warned that action would be taken if such non-compliance persisted.

In the statement, the two entities said the joint action is part of the ongoing drive aimed at ensuring that regulations are respected in full.

"This should send a clear signal that the authorities are taking this matter seriously and that further abuse will not be tolerated.”

Earlier today, entrepreneurs filling public beaches with private deckchairs and umbrellas for hire were warned to stop their profiteering or face direct citizen action. Complaints have mounted in recent weeks that operators were doing as they please to the detriment of bathers.