Law-breaking beach kiosk owners are harming local tourism and putting many beaches' Blue Flag status at risk, the local organisation which oversees the prestigious eco-label has warned. 

Blue Flag Malta welcomed a Malta Tourism Authority clampdown on kiosk operators covering local beaches in deckchairs and umbrellas for hire, in violation of their permits. 

The MTA yesterday shut down a kiosk at Qawra Point after its owner defied inspectors and put out deck chairs early in the morning, despite having been caught breaching conditions just 24 hours earlier. The operator was also fined €5,000. 

Inspectors from the MTA and Lands Authority also confiscated truckloads of beach furniture from beaches in Armier and Little Armier in recent weeks. 

In its statement, Blue Flag Malta criticised operators for "causing injustice" to bathers who could not afford to rent beach furniture. 

READ: 12 beaches get Blue Flag status

It also warned that law-breakers were "increasing the risk that beaches such as Qawra will end up losing the Blue Flag Eco Label which the MTA has worked hard for."

"Many Mediterranean countries are today competing and investing in more Blue Flag Beaches and Green Key Hotels," the organisation warned. "These illegal operators are damaging the same industry they earn their living from, besides putting at risk other workers in the tourism sector." 

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 5,000 beaches and marinas in over 40 countries. Beaches are assessed according to stringent criteria including water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

There are currently 12 Blue Flag beaches across the Maltese islands. 

Blue Flag Malta is run by Nature Trust - FEE Malta as the representative of FEE International.